Bispecific Caninized Antibodies and Bispecific Binding Partners for Treating Atopic Dermatitis

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides compositions for treating canine atopic dermatitis that comprise a fusion protein that binds canine IL-22, a caninized anti-pruritic antibody, and a caninized anti-inflammatory antibody. The present invention further provides compositions that comprise a bispecific binding partners that comprises that fusion protein and a caninized anti-pruritic antibody or a caninized anti-inflammatory antibody, or alternatively, a bispecific antibody comprising a caninized anti-pruritic antibody and a caninized anti-inflammatory antibody, which in addition comprises a fusion protein that binds canine IL-22.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of provisional applications U.S. Serial No. 63/092,294 filed Oct. 15, 2020, U.S. Serial No. 63/092,296 filed Oct. 15, 2020, U.S. Serial No. 63/015,209 filed Apr. 24, 2020, U.S. Serial No. 63/015,220 filed Apr. 24, 2020, U.S. Serial No. 62/951,778, filed Dec. 20, 2019, and U.S. Serial No.62/951,793, filed Dec. 20, 2019, the contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compositions for treating atopic dermatitis in canines that comprise a fusion protein that binds canine IL-22, a caninized anti-pruritic antibody, and a caninized anti-inflammatory antibody. The present invention further relates to compositions that comprise a bispecific antibody that comprises that fusion protein and a caninized anti-pruritic antibody or a caninized anti-inflammatory antibody, or alternatively a bispecific antibody comprising a caninized anti-pruritic antibody and a caninized anti-inflammatory antibody, which in addition comprises a fusion protein that binds canine IL-22.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The immune system comprises a network of resident and recirculating specialized cells that function collaboratively to protect the host against infectious diseases and cancer. The ability of the immune system to perform this function depends to a large extent on the biological activities of a group of proteins secreted by leukocytes and collectively referred to as interleukins. Among the well-studied interleukins are three important molecules identified as interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-31 (IL-31), and interleukin-22 (IL-22). Although IL-4, IL-31, and IL-22 are critical cytokines for the development of immune responses that are required for protection against extracellular pathogens (e.g., tissue or lumen dwelling parasites), these cytokines also have been implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases in humans and animals, including atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a relapsing pruritic and chronic inflammatory skin disease, that is characterized by immune system dysregulation and epidermal barrier abnormalities in humans. The pathological and immunological attributes of atopic dermatitis have been the subject of extensive investigations [reviewed in Rahman et al. Inflammation & Allergy-drug target 10:486-496 (2011) and Harskamp et al., Seminar in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery 32:132-139 (2013)]. Atopic dermatitis is also a common condition in companion animals, especially dogs, where its prevalence has been estimated to be approximately 10-15% of the canine population. The pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis in dogs and cats [reviewed in Nuttall et al., Veterinary Records 172(8):201-207 (2013)] shows significant similarities to that of atopic dermatitis in man including skin infiltration by a variety of immune cells and CD4⁺ Th2 polarized cytokine milieu including the preponderance of IL-4, IL-13, and IL-31. In addition, IL-22 has been implicated in the exaggerated epithelial proliferation leading to epidermal hyperplasia that is characteristic of atopic dermatitis.

For example, antibodies against canine IL-31 have been shown to have a significant effect on pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis in dogs [US 8,790,651 B2; US 10,093,731 B2]. In addition, an antibody against human IL-31 receptor alpha (IL-31RA) has been tested and found to have a significant effect on pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis in humans [Ruzicka, et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 376(9),826-835 (2017)]. Accordingly, blocking IL-31 binding to its receptor IL-3 IRA, results in the relief of pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis.

Monoclonal antibodies raised against human interleukin-4 receptor alpha have been developed and some of these antibodies have been extensively tested for their therapeutic effects for treating atopic dermatitis in humans [see, e.g., US2015/0017176 A1]. More recently, caninized antibodies to canine interleukin-4 receptor alpha (canine IL-4R alpha, canine IL-4R_(α), cIL-4R alpha, or cIL-4R_(α)) that block the binding of canine IL-4 to canine IL-4R_(α) also have been disclosed [US2018/0346580A1, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety]. Because the Type II IL-4 receptor consists of the IL-4 receptor α chain and the IL-13 receptor α1 chain, antibodies to canine IL-4R_(α) have been obtained that can block both canine IL-4 and canine IL-13 from binding the Type II canine IL-4 receptor, thereby serving to help block the inflammation associated with atopic dermatitis [US2018/0346580A1].

Interleukin-22 (IL-22) belongs to the IL-10 cytokine family. IL-22 binds specifically to, and signals through, a receptor complex consisting of a heterodimeric complex of IL-10R2 (also known as IL-10R beta) and the interleukin-22 receptor (IL-22R) [see, Lee et al., Pharmacology Research & Perspectives, Pages 1-13 (2018:e00434)]. The interleukin-22 receptor is also known as interleukin-22R, alpha 1; IL-22RA1; IL-22R1; zcytor11; and CRF2-9 [Xu et al., Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 98 (17) 9511-9516 (2001); Gelebart and Lai, Atlas of Genetics and Cytogenetics 14(12): 1106-1110 (2010)]. IL-22 induces epithelial cell proliferation during wound healing, and its deficiency may enhance tumor development [Huber et al., Nature 491:259-263 (2012].

Interleukin-22 binding protein (IL-22BP), also known as IL-22RA2, CRF2-10, and CRF2-X, is critical for limiting the epidermal hyperplasia that is characteristic of atopic dermatitis by binding to IL-22, thereby blocking the interaction of IL-22 with IL-22R and thus the signaling pathway that leads to the epithelial proliferation. IL-22BP is a soluble class II cytokine receptor that is a naturally occurring antagonist of IL-22 [Xu et al., Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 98 (17) 9511-9516 (2001)]. In vivo, IL-22BP regulates the proinflammatory effects of IL-22 (e.g. neutrophil infiltration), but not that of IL-10 [Weber, et al., Infect. Immun. 75:1690-1697 (2007)]. Accordingly, IL-22BP acts as an anti-proliferative agent, by blocking the interaction of IL-22 with IL-22 R.

In addition, a biosynthetic binding partner for IL-22, a fusion protein comprising the extracellular domain of human IL-22RA1 [AAH29273.1; Pro-18-Thr228] fused to the N-terminus of the Fc region of mouse IgG2a, [commercially available from Creative BioMart 45-1 Ramsey Road, Shirley NY 11967], has been shown to inhibit IL-22-induced IL-10 secretion by COLO 205 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells [Data Sheet from Creative BioMart].

Pharmaceuticals that have either proven to be aid in the treatment of atopic dermatitis and/or have shown promise to do so include: Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors [see e.g., U.S. 8,133,899; U.S. 8,987,283; WO 2018/108969], spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) inhibitors [see e.g., U.S. 8,759,366], and antagonists to a chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on TH2 cells [see e.g., U.S. 7,696,222, U.S. 8,546,422, U.S. 8,637,541, and U.S. 8,546,422].

However, despite recent success in treating atopic dermatitis, none of the current therapies employed result in a rapid onset of anti-pruritic action concomitant with a significant effect on the skin inflammation with an improvement in skin barrier function. Therefore, there is a need to design better therapies that can address these three symptoms of atopic dermatitis at once.

The citation of any reference herein should not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as “prior art” to the instant application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to bispecific binding partners, bispecific antibodies, and compositions comprising bispecific binding partners and/or bispecific antibodies for treating atopic dermatitis in canines. In particular embodiments, the present invention relates to compositions for treating atopic dermatitis in canines comprising a fusion protein that binds canine interleukin IL-22 (IL-22), an anti-pruritic antibody, and an anti-inflammatory antibody. In certain embodiments, the anti-pruritic antibody and/or the anti-inflammatory antibody are a chimeric rodent (i.e., mouse or rat)-canine antibody. In particular embodiments of this type, both the anti-pruritic antibody and the anti-inflammatory antibody are chimeric rodent-canine antibodies. In other embodiments, the anti-pruritic antibody and/or the anti-inflammatory antibody are a caninized antibody. In particular embodiments of this type, both the anti-pruritic antibody and the anti-inflammatory antibody are caninized antibodies. In still other embodiments, the anti-pruritic antibody and/or the anti-inflammatory antibody are canine antibodies. In particular embodiments of this type, both the anti-pruritic antibody and the anti-inflammatory antibody are canine antibodies.

Accordingly, the present invention includes compositions for treating atopic dermatitis in canines comprising a fusion protein that binds canine interleukin IL-22 (IL-22), a caninized anti-pruritic antibody, and a caninized anti-inflammatory antibody. In particular embodiments, the fusion protein that binds canine IL-22 is a canine IL-22RA1-Fc fusion protein. In related embodiments, the fusion protein that binds canine IL-22 is a canine IL-22RA2-Fc fusion protein.

In specific embodiments, the composition comprises a caninized anti-inflammatory antibody and a bispecific binding partner comprising a canine IL-22RA1-Fc fusion protein and a monomer of a caninized anti-pruritic antibody. In certain embodiments, the caninized anti-pruritic antibody is a caninized interleukin-31 (cIL-31) antibody. In particular embodiments, the caninized IL-31 antibody comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12 and a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18. In other embodiments the caninized IL-31 antibody comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11 and a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 15. In specific embodiments, the light chain of the caninized IL-31 antibody has been modified to comprise a heavy chain constant region 1 (CH1) from the heavy chain of the caninized IL-31 antibody in place of a constant light domain (CL) and the heavy chain of the caninized IL-31 antibody has been modified to comprise the constant light domain (CL) from the light chain of the caninized IL-31 antibody in place of the CH1. In specific embodiments, the canine IL-22RA1-Fc fusion protein comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16. In certain embodiments, the caninized anti-inflammatory antibody is a caninized interleukin-4 receptor alpha (IL-4R alpha) antibody. In particular embodiments, the caninized IL-4R alpha antibody comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4 and a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5. In other embodiments, the caninized IL-4R alpha antibody comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6 and a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7.

In related embodiments, the composition comprises a caninized anti-inflammatory antibody and a bispecific binding partner comprising a canine IL-22RA2-Fc fusion protein and a monomer of a caninized anti-pruritic antibody. In certain embodiments, the caninized anti-pruritic antibody is a caninized interleukin-31 (cIL-31) antibody. In particular embodiments, the caninized IL-31 antibody comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12 and a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18. In other embodiments the caninized IL-31 antibody comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11 and a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 15. In specific embodiments, the light chain of the caninized IL-31 antibody has been modified to comprise a heavy chain constant region 1 (CH1) from the heavy chain of the caninized IL-31 antibody in place of a constant light domain (CL) and the heavy chain of the caninized IL-31 antibody has been modified to comprise the constant light domain (CL) from the light chain of the caninized IL-31 antibody in place of the CH1. In specific embodiments, the canine IL-22RA2-Fc fusion protein comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17. In certain embodiments of this type, the caninized anti-inflammatory antibody is a caninized interleukin-4 receptor alpha (IL-4R alpha) antibody. In particular embodiments, the caninized IL-4R alpha antibody comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4 and a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5. In other embodiments, the caninized IL-4R alpha antibody comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6 and a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7.

In alternative embodiments, the composition comprises a canine IL-22RA1-Fc fusion protein and a bispecific antibody comprising a monomer of a caninized anti-pruritic antibody comprising a heavy chain and a light chain, and a monomer of a caninized anti-inflammatory antibody comprising a heavy chain and a light chain. In certain embodiments, the caninized anti-pruritic antibody is a caninized interleukin-31 receptor alpha (IL-31RA) antibody. In other embodiments, the caninized anti-inflammatory antibody is a caninized IL-4R alpha antibody. In specific embodiments, the caninized anti-pruritic antibody is a caninized IL-31RA antibody and the caninized anti-inflammatory antibody is a caninized IL-4R alpha antibody. In particular embodiments, the caninized IL-4R alpha antibody comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19 and a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 20. In related embodiments, the caninized IL-4R alpha antibody comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21 and a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22. In specific embodiments, the light chain of the caninized IL-4R alpha antibody has been modified to comprise a heavy chain constant region 1 (CH1) from the heavy chain of the caninized IL-4R alpha antibody in place of a constant light domain (CL) and the heavy chain of the caninized IL-4R alpha antibody has been modified to comprise the constant light domain (CL) from the light chain of the caninized IL-4R alpha antibody in place of the CH1. In certain embodiments, the caninized anti-pruritic antibody of the bispecific antibody is a monomer of a caninized interleukin-31 receptor alpha (IL-31RA) antibody. In more particular embodiments, the caninized IL-31RA antibody comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52 and a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53. In still more specific embodiments the canine IL-22RA1-Fc fusion protein comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In related embodiments, the composition comprises a canine IL-22RA2-Fc fusion protein and a bispecific antibody comprising a monomer of a caninized anti-pruritic antibody comprising a heavy chain and a light chain, and a monomer of a caninized anti-inflammatory antibody comprising a heavy chain and a light chain. In certain embodiments of this type, the caninized anti-pruritic antibody is a caninized interleukin-31 receptor alpha (IL-31RA) antibody. In other embodiments, the caninized anti-inflammatory antibody is a caninized IL-4R alpha antibody. In specific embodiments, the caninized anti-pruritic antibody is a caninized IL-31RA antibody and the caninized anti-inflammatory antibody is a caninized IL-4R alpha antibody. In particular embodiments, the caninized IL-4R alpha antibody comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19 and a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 20. In related embodiments, the caninized IL-4R alpha antibody comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21 and a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22. In specific embodiments, the light chain of the caninized IL-4R alpha antibody has been modified to comprise a heavy chain constant region 1 (CH1) from the heavy chain of the caninized IL-4R alpha antibody in place of a constant light domain (CL) and the heavy chain of the caninized IL-4R alpha antibody has been modified to comprise the constant light domain (CL) from the light chain of the caninized IL-4R alpha antibody in place of the CH1. In certain embodiments, the caninized anti-pruritic antibody of the bispecific antibody is a monomer of a caninized interleukin-31 receptor alpha (IL-31RA) antibody. In more particular embodiments, the caninized IL-31RA antibody comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52 and a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53. In still more specific embodiments the canine IL-22RA2-Fc fusion protein comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3.

The present invention further provides the bispecific binding partners of the present invention. In certain embodiments the bispecific binding partner comprises a canine IL-22RA1-Fc fusion protein and a monomer of a caninized anti-pruritic antibody. In particular embodiments of this type, the caninized anti-pruritic antibody is a caninized interleukin-31 (cIL-31) antibody. In more particular embodiments, the caninized IL-31 antibody comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12 and a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18. In other embodiments the caninized IL-31 antibody comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11 and a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 15. In specific embodiments, the light chain of the caninized IL-31 antibody has been modified to comprise a heavy chain constant region 1 (CH1) from the heavy chain of the caninized IL-31 antibody in place of a constant light domain (CL) and the heavy chain of the caninized IL-31 antibody has been modified to comprise the constant light domain (CL) from the light chain of the caninized IL-31 antibody in place of the CH1. In more specific embodiments, the canine IL-22RA1-Fc fusion protein comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16.

In related embodiments the bispecific binding partner comprises a canine IL-22RA2-Fc fusion protein and a monomer of a caninized anti-pruritic antibody. In particular embodiments of this type, the caninized anti-pruritic antibody is a caninized interleukin-31 (cIL-31) antibody. In more particular embodiments, the caninized IL-31 antibody comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12 and a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18. In other embodiments the caninized IL-31 antibody comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11 and a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 15. In specific embodiments, the light chain of the caninized IL-31 antibody has been modified to comprise a heavy chain constant region 1 (CH1) from the heavy chain of the caninized IL-31 antibody in place of a constant light domain (CL) and the heavy chain of the caninized IL-31 antibody has been modified to comprise the constant light domain (CL) from the light chain of the caninized IL-31 antibody in place of the CH1. In more specific embodiments, the canine IL-22RA2-Fc fusion protein comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17.

In still other embodiments the compositions comprising the antibodies and/or the bispecific antibodies and/or bispecific binding partners and/or fusion proteins of the present invention further comprise one or more additional therapeutic components. In one such embodiment, the therapeutic component is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. In a particular embodiment of this type the JAK inhibitor is oclacitinib and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In an alternative embodiment the JAK inhibitor, is: 1-[(3R,4S)-4-cyanotetrahydropyran-3-yl]-3-[(2-fluoro-6-methoxy-4-pyridyl)amino]pyrazole-4-carboxamide, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In another embodiment, the therapeutic component is a spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) inhibitor. In a particular embodiment of this type the SYK inhibitor is (1 S,4R)-4-hydroxy-2,2-dimethyl-4-{5-[3-methyl-5-(4-methyl-pyrimidin-2-ylamino)-phenyl]-1,3-thiazol-2-yl}-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In yet another embodiment, the therapeutic component is an antagonist to a chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on TH2 cells.

The present invention further provides methods of treating atopic dermatitis comprising administering one of the aforesaid compositions to a canine that has atopic dermatitis.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides an isolated mammalian antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof that binds canine interleukin-4 receptor α (IL-4R_(α)) with specificity. In one such embodiment, the IL-4R_(α) antibody comprises a set of six complementary determining regions (CDRs), three of which are heavy chain CDRs: a CDR heavy 1 (CDRH1), a CDR heavy 2 (CDRH2), and a CDR heavy 3 (CDRH3) and three of which are light chain CDRs: a CDR light 1 (CDRL1), a CDR light 2 (CDRL2), and a CDR light 3 (CDRL3); in which the set of six CDRs are: CDRH1, which comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28; CDRH2, which comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30; CDRH3, which comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 32; CDRL1, which comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34; CDRL2 which comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36; and CDRL3, which comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 38.

In another embodiment, the IL-4R_(α) antibody comprises a set of six complementary determining regions (CDRs), three of which are heavy chain CDRs: a CDR heavy 1 (CDRH1), a CDR heavy 2 (CDRH2), and a CDR heavy 3 (CDRH3) and three of which are light chain CDRs: a CDR light 1 (CDRL1), a CDR light 2 (CDRL2), and a CDR light 3 (CDRL3); in which the set of six CDRs are: CDRH1, which comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 40; CDRH2, which comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42; CDRH3, which comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 44; CDRL1, which comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 46; CDRL2, which comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 48; and CDRL3, which comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 50.

In particular embodiments, the isolated mammalian antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof bind canine IL-4R_(α) and block the binding of canine IL-4R_(α) to canine interleukin-4. In more particular embodiments, the isolated mammalian antibody IL-4R_(α) or antigen binding fragment thereof is a caninized antibody or a caninized antigen binding fragment thereof.

In a specific embodiment the caninized antibody comprises a heavy chain that comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 5 and a light chain that comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 4, or an antigenic fragment of that antibody. In another such embodiment, the caninized antibody comprises a heavy chain that comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 20 and a light chain that comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 19, or an antigenic fragment of that antibody. In still another embodiment the caninized antibody comprises a heavy chain that comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 7 and a light chain that comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 6, or an antigenic fragment of that antibody. In still another embodiment, the caninized antibody comprises a heavy chain that comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 22 and a light chain that comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 21, or an antigenic fragment of that antibody.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be better appreciated by reference to the following Brief Description of the Drawings and the Detailed Description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graph showing the binding of canine IL-22 to the canine IL-22RA1-Fc fusion protein. The canine IL-22RA1-Fc fusion protein used is a fusion protein (canine IL-22RA1-FcB) of the (i) extracellular domain of canine IL-22RA1 with (ii) canine IgG-B Fc. Canine IL-22RA1-FcB fusion protein was tested for its capacity to bind to canine IL-22, and the results show that canine IL-22RA1-FcB fusion protein binds to canine IL-22 both specifically and in a dose-dependent manner.

FIG. 2 is a graph showing the binding of canine IL-22 to canine IL-22BP (IL-22RA2). The canine IL-22RA2-Fc fusion protein used is a fusion protein, canine IL-22BP-FcB (IL-22RA2-FcB) of canine (i) IL-22BP (IL-22RA2) with (ii) canine IgG-B Fc. Canine IL-22BP-FcB fusion protein was tested for its capacity to bind to canine IL-22, and the results show that canine IL-22BP-FcB fusion protein binds both specifically and in a dose-dependent manner to canine IL-22.

FIG. 3 is a graph showing the inhibition of IL-4-mediated STAT-6 phosphorylation by IL-4R alpha (IL-4R_(α)) antibodies. Three different caninized monoclonal anti-canine IL-4R_(α) antibodies designated c4H3, c146E2-H3L3, and c152H11-H3L3 were evaluated for their ability to inhibit αSTAT-6 phosphorylation. The data show that all three antibodies result in a dose-dependent inhibition of STAT-6 phosphorylation in the presence of IL-4. The IL-4 control in the absence of IL-4R alpha (IL-4R_(α)) antibodies is shown in the upper left hand portion of the graph.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing the inhibition of IL-13-mediated STAT-6 phosphorylation by IL-4R alpha antibodies. Three different caninized monoclonal anti-canine IL-4R_(α) antibodies designated c4H3, c146E2-H3L3, and c152H11-H3L3 were evaluated for their ability to inhibit STAT-6 phosphorylation. The data shows that all three antibodies result in a dose dependent inhibition of STAT-6 phosphorylation in the presence of IL-13. The IL-13 control in the absence of IL-4R alpha (IL-4R_(α)) antibodies is shown in the upper left hand portion of the graph.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing the binding of IL-31 to the extracellular domain of IL-31R (IL-31RA). The extracellular domain (ECD) of canine IL-31RA was tested for its ability to bind to canine IL-31. The results show that IL-31RA ECD binds in a dose-dependent manner to biotinylated canine IL-31 with an EC50 of 0.3679 µg/ml.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In response to need for better therapies for atopic dermatitis, the present invention provides formulations and methodology that can achieve the simultaneous modulation of the canine IL-4 (cIL-4), canine IL-31 (cIL-31), and canine IL-22 (cIL-22) signaling pathways involved in atopic dermatitis to produce a rapid onset of anti-pruritic action concomitant with a significant effect on the skin inflammation and an improvement in skin barrier function.

Abbreviations

Throughout the detailed description and examples of the invention the following abbreviations will be used:

ADCC Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity CDC Complement-dependent cyotoxicity CDR Complementarity determining region in the immunoglobulin variable regions, defined using the Kabat numbering system CHO Chinese hamster ovary EC50 concentration resulting in 50% efficacy or binding ELISA Enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay FR Antibody framework region: the immunoglobulin variable regions excluding the CDR regions. HRP Horseradish peroxidase IFN interferon IC50 concentration resulting in 50% inhibition IgG Immunoglobulin G Kabat An immunoglobulin alignment and numbering system pioneered by Elvin A. Kabat [Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, 5th Ed. Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md. (1991)] mAb Monoclonal antibody (also Mab or MAb) MES 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid MOA Mechanism of action NHS Normal human serum PCR Polymerase chain reaction PK Pharmacokinetics SEB Staphylococcus Enterotoxin B TT Tetanus toxoid VH Immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region VL Immunoglobulin light chain variable region VK Immunoglobulin kappa light chain variable region

Definitions

So that the invention may be more readily understood, certain technical and scientific terms are specifically defined below. Unless specifically defined elsewhere in this document, all other technical and scientific terms used herein have the meaning commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

As used herein, including the appended claims, the singular forms of words such as “a,” “an,” and “the,” include their corresponding plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

“Activation” as it applies to cells or to receptors refers to the activation or treatment of a cell or receptor with a ligand, unless indicated otherwise by the context or explicitly. “Ligand” encompasses natural and synthetic ligands, e.g., cytokines, cytokine variants, analogues, muteins, and binding compounds derived from antibodies. “Ligand” also encompasses small molecules, e.g., peptide mimetics of cytokines and peptide mimetics of antibodies. “Activation” can refer to cell activation as regulated by internal mechanisms as well as by external or environmental factors.

“Activity” of a molecule may describe or refer to the binding of the molecule to a ligand or to a receptor, to catalytic activity; to the ability to stimulate gene expression or cell signaling, differentiation, or maturation; to antigenic activity, to the modulation of activities of other molecules, and the like. “Activity” of a molecule may also refer to activity in modulating or maintaining cell-to-cell interactions, e.g., adhesion, or activity in maintaining a structure of a cell, e.g., cell membranes or cytoskeleton. “Activity” can also mean specific activity, e.g., [catalytic activity]/[mg protein], or [immunological activity]/[mg protein], concentration in a biological compartment, or the like. “Activity” may refer to modulation of components of the innate or the adaptive immune systems.

“Administration” and “treatment”, as it applies to an animal, e.g., a canine subject, cell, tissue, organ, or biological fluid, refers to contact of an exogenous pharmaceutical, therapeutic, diagnostic agent, or composition to the animal e.g., a canine subject, cell, tissue, organ, or biological fluid. Treatment of a cell encompasses contact of a reagent to the cell, as well as contact of a reagent to a fluid, where the fluid is in contact with the cell.

“Administration” and “treatment” also mean in vitro and ex vivo treatments, e.g., of a cell, by a reagent, diagnostic, binding compound, or by another cell. The term “subject” includes any organism, preferably an animal, more preferably a mammal (e.g., canine, feline, or human) and most preferably a canine.

“Treat” or “treating” means to administer a therapeutic agent, such as a composition containing any of the antibodies and/or the bispecific antibodies and/or fusion proteins of the present invention, internally or externally to e.g., a canine subject or patient having one or more symptoms, or being suspected of having a condition, for which the agent has therapeutic activity.

Typically, the agent is administered in an amount effective to alleviate and/or ameliorate one or more disease/condition symptoms in the treated subject or population, whether by inducing the regression of or inhibiting the progression of such symptom(s) by any clinically measurable degree. The amount of a therapeutic agent that is effective to alleviate any particular disease/condition symptom (also referred to as the “therapeutically effective amount”) may vary according to factors such as the disease state, age, and weight of the patient (e.g., canine), and the ability of the pharmaceutical composition to elicit a desired response in the subject. Whether a disease/condition symptom has been alleviated or ameliorated can be assessed by any clinical measurement typically used by veterinarians or other skilled healthcare providers to assess the severity or progression status of that symptom. While an embodiment of the present invention (e.g., a treatment method or article of manufacture) may not be effective in alleviating the target disease/condition symptom(s) in every subject, it should alleviate the target disease/condition symptom(s) in a statistically significant number of subjects as determined by any statistical test known in the art such as the Student’s t-test, the chi²-test, the U-test according to Mann and Whitney, the Kruskal-Wallis test (H-test), Jonckheere-Terpstra-test and the Wilcoxon-test.

“Treatment,” as it applies to a human, veterinary (e.g., canine), or research subject, refers to therapeutic treatment, as well as research and diagnostic applications. “Treatment” as it applies to a human, veterinary (e.g., canine), or research subject, or cell, tissue, or organ, encompasses contact of the antibodies and/or the bispecific antibodies and/or fusion proteins of the present invention to e.g., a canine or other animal subject, a cell, tissue, physiological compartment, or physiological fluid.

As used herein, the term “canine” includes all domestic dogs, Canis lupus familiaris or Canis familiaris, unless otherwise indicated.

As used herein, the term “feline” refers to any member of the Felidae family. Members of this family include wild, zoo, and domestic members, including domestic cats, pure-bred and/or mongrel companion cats, show cats, laboratory cats, cloned cats, and wild or feral cats.

As used herein the term “canine frame” refers to the amino acid sequence of the heavy chain and light chain of a canine antibody other than the hypervariable region residues defined herein as CDR residues. With regard to a caninized antibody, in the majority of embodiments the amino acid sequences of the native canine CDRs are replaced with the corresponding foreign CDRs (e.g., those from a mouse or rat antibody) in both chains. Optionally the heavy and/or light chains of the canine antibody may contain some foreign non-CDR residues, e.g., so as to preserve the conformation of the foreign CDRs within the canine antibody, and/or to modify the Fc function, as exemplified below and/or disclosed in U.S. 10,106,607 B2, hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Canine antibodies (also referred to as immunoglobulin G or IgG) are large tetrameric proteins of about 150 Kd. Each IgG protein is composed of two identical light chains of about 25 Kd each, and two identical heavy chains of about 50 Kd each. There are four known IgG heavy chain subclasses of canine IgG and they are referred to as IgGA, IgGB, IgGC, and IgGD. There are two types of light chains; kappa and lambda chains. Each of the kappa or lambda light chains is composed of one variable domain (VL) and one constant domain (CL). Each of the two heavy chains consists of one variable domain (VH) and three constant domains referred to as heavy chain constant region 1 (CH1 or CH-1), heavy chain constant region 2 (CH2 or CH-2), and heavy chain constant region 3 (CH3 or CH-3). The CH1 domain is connected to the CH2 domain via an amino acid sequence referred to as the “hinge” or alternatively as the “hinge region”. In the present invention, the amino acid sequence for each of the four canine IgG Fc fragments is based on the identified boundary of the CH1 and the CH2 domains as determined by Tang et al. [Vet. Immunol. Immunopathol. 80: 259-270 (2001)]. In humans, IgG exists in one of four subclasses referred to as IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4. The subclass of IgG is determined largely by the sequence of the hinge region, which differs among the four subclasses of IgG. The two heavy chains are linked to each other by disulfide bonds and each heavy chain also is linked to one of the light chains through a disulfide bond.

Digestion of IgG antibodies with the enzyme papain breaks an antibody molecule in the hinge region and results in the formation of three fragments. Two of these fragments are identical and each consists of the light chain held together with the VH and CH1 domains of the heavy chain. These fragments are called the “Fab” fragments and they contain the antigen binding sites of the antibody. A Fab fragment is a VL-CL chain appended to a VH-CH1 chain by a disulfide bridge. The third fragment that results from digestion with papain is called the “Fc” and it contains the remainder of the two heavy chains held together by disulfide bonds. The Fc thus contains a dimer consisting of the CH2 and CH3 domain of each of the two heavy chains. While the Fab enables the antibody to bind to its cognate epitope, the Fc enables the antibody to mediate immune effector functions such as antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), antibody-dependent phagocytosis (ADCP) and complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). A “Fab fragment” is comprised of one light chain (VL domain and CL domain) and the CH1 and variable regions (VH) of one heavy chain. The heavy chain of a Fab molecule cannot form a disulfide bond with another heavy chain molecule.

The “Fragment crystallizable region” abbreviated as “Fc” corresponds to the CH3-CH2 portion of an antibody that interacts with cell surface receptors called Fc receptors. As used herein, particularly in regard to being a part of a fusion protein with canine IL-22RA1 or canine IL-22RA2, the “Fc” is a monomer of the CH3-CH2 portion of an antibody. The canine fragment crystallizable region (cFc) of each of the four canine IgGs were first described by Tang et al. [Vet. Immunol. Immunopathol. 80: 259-270 (2001); see also, Bergeron et al., Vet. Immunol. Immunopathol. 157: 31-41 (2014)].

As used herein the canine Fc “IgG-Bm” is canine IgG-B Fc comprising two (2) amino acid residue substitutions, D31A and N63A in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14 of IgG-B (see below). Both the aspartic acid residue (D) at position 31 of SEQ ID NO: 14 and the asparagine residue (N) at position 63 of SEQ ID NO: 14, are substituted by an alanine residue (A) in IgG-Bm. These two amino acid residue substitutions serve to significantly diminish the antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) of the naturally occurring canine IgG-B [see, U.S. 10,106,607 B2, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety]. Further amino acid substitutions to the IgG-Bm are also envisioned, which parallel those which can be made in IgG-B and may include amino acid substitutions to favor heterodimer formation in bispecific antibodies and/or bispecific binding partners, as described below.

Interleukin-22 (IL-22) binds specifically to, and signals through, a receptor complex consisting of a heterodimeric complex of the interleukin-22 receptor and IL-10R2. The interleukin-22 receptor is also known as interleukin-22R alpha 1 (IL-22RA1). As used herein a “canine IL-22RA1-Fc fusion protein” comprises the extracellular domain of canine IL-22RA1 fused to the N-terminus of a canine IgG Fc. The canine IL-22RA1-Fc fusion protein can be generated from a chemically synthesized nucleic acid encoding the IL-22RA1 extracellular domain fused to the N-terminus of the canine IgG Fc through genetic engineering.

Interleukin-22 binding protein (also known as IL-22RA2 or IL-22BP) acts as an anti-proliferative agent by blocking the interaction of IL-22 with its receptor (see above). As used herein a “canine IL-22RA2-Fc fusion protein” comprises canine interleukin-22 binding protein fused to a canine IgG Fc. The canine IL-22RA2-Fc fusion protein can be generated from a chemically synthesized nucleic acid encoding the canine IL-22RA2 fused to the N-terminus of the canine IgG Fc through genetic engineering.

As used herein, a “substitution of an amino acid residue” with another amino acid residue in an amino acid sequence of an antibody for example, is equivalent to “replacing an amino acid residue” with another amino acid residue and denotes that a particular amino acid residue at a specific position in the amino acid sequence has been replaced by (or substituted for) by a different amino acid residue. Such substitutions can be particularly designed i.e., purposefully replacing an alanine with a serine at a specific position in the amino acid sequence by e.g., recombinant DNA technology. Alternatively, a particular amino acid residue or string of amino acid residues of an antibody can be replaced by one or more amino acid residues through more natural selection processes e.g., based on the ability of the antibody produced by a cell to bind to a given region on that antigen, e.g., one containing an epitope or a portion thereof, and/or for the antibody to comprise a particular CDR that retains the same canonical structure as the CDR it is replacing. Such substitutions/replacements can lead to “variant” CDRs and/or variant antibodies.

As used herein, the term “antibody” refers to any form of antibody that exhibits the desired biological activity. An antibody can be a monomer, dimer, or larger multimer. Thus, it is used in the broadest sense and specifically covers, but is not limited to, monoclonal antibodies (including full length monoclonal antibodies), polyclonal antibodies, multispecific antibodies (e.g., bispecific antibodies), caninized antibodies, fully canine antibodies, chimeric antibodies and camelized single domain antibodies. “Parental antibodies” are antibodies obtained by exposure of an immune system to an antigen prior to modification of the antibodies for an intended use, such as caninization of an antibody for use as a canine therapeutic antibody.

As used herein, antibodies and/or the bispecific antibodies and/or fusion proteins and/or bispecific binding partners of the present invention that “block” or is “blocking” or is “blocking the binding” of e.g., a canine receptor to its binding partner (ligand), is an antibody and/or the bispecific antibody and/or fusion protein and/or bispecific binding partner that blocks (partially or fully) the binding of the canine receptor to its canine ligand and vice versa, as determined in standard binding assays (e.g., BIACore®, ELISA, or flow cytometry).

A “bivalent antibody” comprises two antigen binding sites. In some instances, the two binding sites have the same antigen specificities.

As used herein the terms “bispecific binding partner” and “bispecific binding protein” are used interchangeably and refer to an artificial protein molecule that can target two different antigens at the same time, and wherein this artificial protein molecule is formed by the association of a monomeric heavy chain and a light chain of a monoclonal antibody with a fusion protein that comprises a canine IgG Fc (or a modified canine IgG Fc, e.g., an IgG-Bm defined below), fused through genetic engineering to another protein moiety that binds a target protein. When a bispecific binding partner targets two different antigens the two binding sites of the bispecific binding partner are different. One example of a bispecific binding partner is a caninized monomer of an antibody to canine IL-31 that is associated with a fusion protein comprising the extracellular domain of the canine IL-22RA1 fused to a canine IgG Fc by genetic engineering, such as exemplified herein, and wherein the bispecific binding partner can target canine IL-31 and canine IL-22 at the same time.

As used herein, a “bispecific antibody” is an artificial protein that can target two different antigens at the same time. One preferred type of bispecific antibody is an IgG-like antibody that consists of four different polypeptide chains. Accordingly, a bispecific antibody can be a heterodimer comprising two monomers that each comprise a heavy and light chain. The first monomer can be from an antibody to one particular antigen, while the second monomer can be from an antibody to a different antigen. For example, certain bispecific antibodies of the present invention can target IL-31RA and IL-4R_(α) at the same time. Such antibodies are formed by association of one heavy chain and one light chain with specificity for the IL-4R_(α) with a heavy chain and light chain with specificity for the IL-31RA. Furthermore, each of the heavy and light chains can be modified with specific mutations of their amino acid sequence so as to favor the association of the heavy chain and the light chain of the IL-4R_(α) antibody with each other and the heavy chain and the light chain of IL-31RA antibody with each other, but simultaneously favor the association of the heavy chain from IL-4R_(α) antibody with the heavy chain of the IL-31RA antibody over the association of a IL-4R_(α) heavy chain with another IL-4R_(α) heavy chain or a IL-31RA heavy chain with another IL-31RA heavy chain.

Within the context of both a bispecific antibody and a bispecific binding partner, a “monomer” of an antibody consists of one heavy chain and one light chain of that antibody.

As used herein, an “artificial protein” and an “artificial protein molecule” are used interchangeably and denote a protein (or multimer of proteins, such as dimers, heterodimers, tetramers, and heterotetramers, etc.) that does not naturally exist in nature, such as a man-made fusion protein or a heterodimer of monomers from two different antibodies.

Typically, an antibody or antigen binding fragment of the invention retains at least 10% of its canine antigen binding activity (when compared to the parental antibody) when that activity is expressed on a molar basis. Preferably, an antibody or antigen binding fragment of the invention retains at least 20%, 50%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or 100% or more of the canine antigen binding affinity as the parental antibody. It is also intended that an antibody or antigen binding fragment of the invention can include conservative or non-conservative amino acid substitutions (referred to as “conservative variants” or “function conserved variants” of the antibody) that do not substantially alter its biologic activity.

“Isolated antibody” refers to the purification status and in such context means the molecule is substantially free of other biological molecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, or other material such as cellular debris and growth media. Generally, the term “isolated” is not intended to refer to a complete absence of such material or to an absence of water, buffers, or salts, unless they are present in amounts that substantially interfere with experimental or therapeutic use of the binding compound as described herein.

As used herein, a “chimeric antibody” is an antibody having the variable domain from a first antibody and the constant domain from a second antibody, where the first and second antibodies are from different species. [U.S. 4,816,567; and Morrison et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81: 6851-6855 (1984)]. Typically the variable domains are obtained from an antibody from an experimental animal (the “parental antibody”), such as a rodent, and the constant domain sequences are obtained from the animal subject antibodies, e.g., human or canine so that the resulting chimeric antibody will be less likely to elicit an adverse immune response in a human or canine subject respectively, than the parental (e.g., rodent) antibody.

As used herein, the term “caninized antibody” refers to forms of antibodies that contain sequences from both canine and non-canine (e.g., murine or rat) antibodies. In general, the caninized antibody will comprise substantially all of at least one or more typically, two variable domains in which all or substantially all of the hypervariable loops correspond to those of a non-canine immunoglobulin (e.g., comprising 6 CDRs as exemplified below), and all or substantially all of the framework (FR) regions (and typically all or substantially all of the remaining frame) are those of a canine immunoglobulin sequence. As exemplified herein, a caninized antibody comprises both the three heavy chain CDRs and the three light chain CDRS from a murine or rat anti-canine antigen antibody together with a canine frame or a modified canine frame. A modified canine frame comprises one or more amino acids changes as exemplified herein that further optimize the effectiveness of the caninized antibody, e.g., to increase its binding to its canine antigen and/or its ability to block the binding of that canine antigen to the canine antigen’s natural binding partner.

The variable regions of each light/heavy chain pair form the antibody binding site. Thus, in general, an intact antibody has two binding sites. Except in bifunctional or bispecific antibodies, the two binding sites are, in general, the same.

Typically, the variable domains of both the heavy and light chains comprise three hypervariable regions, also called complementarity determining regions (CDRs), located within relatively conserved framework regions (FR). The CDRs are usually aligned by the framework regions, enabling binding to a specific epitope. In general, from N-terminal to C-terminal, both light and heavy chains variable domains comprise FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, FR3, CDR3 and FR4. The assignment of amino acids to each domain is, generally, in accordance with the definitions of Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, Kabat, et al.; National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md. ; 5th ed.; NIH Publ. No. 91-3242 (1991); Kabat, Adv. Prot. Chem. 32:1-75 (1978); Kabat, et al., J. Biol. Chem. 252:6609-6616 (1977); Chothia, et al., J. Mol. Biol. 196:901-917 (1987) or Chothia, et al., Nature 342:878-883 (1989)].

As used herein, the term “hypervariable region” refers to the amino acid residues of an antibody that are responsible for antigen-binding. The hypervariable region comprises amino acid residues from a “complementarity determining region” or “CDR” [i.e. CDRL1 (or LCDR1), CDRL2 (or LCDR2), and CDRL3 (or LCDR3) in the light chain variable domain and CDRH1(or HCDR1), CDRH2 (or HCDR2), and CDRH3 (or HCDR3) in the heavy chain variable domain]. [See Kabat et al. Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, 5th Ed. Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md. (1991), defining the CDR regions of an antibody by sequence; see also Chothia and Lesk, J. Mol. Biol. 196: 901-917 (1987) defining the CDR regions of an antibody by structure].

As used herein, the term “framework” or “FR” residues refers to those variable domain residues other than the hypervariable region residues defined herein as CDR residues. There are four known IgG heavy chain subtypes of dog IgG and they are referred to as IgG-A, IgG-B, IgG-C, and IgG-D. The two known light chain subtypes are referred to as lambda and kappa. In specific embodiments of the invention, besides binding and activating of canine immune cells, a canine or caninized antibody against its antigen of the present invention optimally has two attributes:

-   1. Lack of effector functions such as antibody-dependent     cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), and -   2. be readily purified on a large scale using industry standard     technologies such as that based on protein A chromatography.

None of the naturally occurring canine IgG isotypes satisfy both criteria. For example, IgG-B can be purified using protein A, but has high level of ADCC activity. On the other hand, IgG-A binds weakly to protein A, but also displays ADCC activity. Moreover, neither IgG-C nor IgG-D can be purified on protein A columns, although IgG-D displays no ADCC activity. (IgG-C has considerable ADCC activity). One way the present invention addresses these issues is by providing modified canine IgG-B antibodies, and/or bispecific antibodies, and/or bispecific binding partners, and/or fusion proteins of the present invention specific to an antigen of the present invention that lack the effector functions such as ADCC and can be easily purified using industry standard protein A chromatography.

In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the canine IgG-B or IgG-C antibodies, and/or bispecific antibodies, and/or bispecific binding partners, and/or fusion proteins of the present invention specific to an antigen of the present invention are purposely not modified to remove/substantially diminish the effector functions such as ADCC, and therefore retain the effector functions such as ADCC.

As used herein the term “anti-pruritic agent” is used interchangeably with “antipruritic agent” and is a compound, macromolecule, and/or formulation that tends to inhibit, relieve, and/or prevent itching. Anti-pruritic agents are colloquially referred to as anti-itch drugs.

As used herein the term “anti-pruritic antibody” is used interchangeably with “antipruritic antibody” and is an antibody that can act as an anti-pruritic agent in an animal, including a mammal such as a human, a canine, and/or a feline, particularly with respect to atopic dermatitis. In particular embodiments, the anti-pruritic antibody binds to specific proteins in the IL-31 signaling pathway, such as IL-31 or its receptor IL-31RA. The binding of the anti-pruritic antibody to its corresponding antigen (e.g., IL-31 or IL-31RA) inhibits the binding of e.g., IL-31 with IL-3 IRA, and interferes with and/or prevents the successful signaling of this pathway, and thereby inhibits, relieves, and/or prevents the itching that is otherwise caused by the IL-31 signaling pathway.

As used herein an “anti-inflammatory agent” is a compound, macromolecule, and/or formulation that that reduces inflammation by blocking the interaction of certain substances in the body that cause inflammation.

As used herein an “anti-inflammatory antibody” is an antibody that can act as an anti-inflammatory agent in an animal, including a mammal such as a human, a canine, and/or a feline, particularly with respect to atopic dermatitis. In particular embodiments, the anti-inflammatory antibody binds to specific proteins in the IL-4/IL-13 signaling pathway, such as IL-4 or the receptor IL-4R_(α). The binding of the anti-inflammatory antibody to its corresponding antigen (e.g., IL-4 or IL-4R_(α)) inhibits the binding of e.g., IL-4 with IL-4R_(α), and interferes with and/or prevents the signaling of this pathway, thereby interfering with or preventing the chronic inflammation associated with atopic dermatitis.

As used herein an “anti-proliferative agent” is a compound, macromolecule, and/or formulation that that counteracts the induction of epithelial cell proliferation, and in particular the induction of keratinocyte cell proliferation, particularly with respect to atopic dermatitis. The interleukin-22 binding protein (IL-22BP) is one example of a naturally occurring anti-proliferative agent. The canine IL-22RA2-Fc fusion protein is an example of an artificial anti-proliferative agent for dogs. The canine IL-22RA1-Fc fusion protein is another example of an artificial anti-proliferative agent for dogs.

As used herein an “anti-proliferative antibody” is an antibody that can act as an anti-proliferative agent in an animal, including a mammal such as a human, a canine, and/or a feline, particularly with respect to atopic dermatitis. In particular embodiments, the anti-proliferative antibody binds to specific proteins in the IL-22 signaling pathway, such as IL-22 or the receptor IL-22 receptor (IL-22R). The binding of the anti-proliferative antibody to its corresponding antigen (e.g., IL-22 or IL-22R) inhibits the binding of e.g., IL-22 with IL-22R, and interferes with and/or prevents the signaling of this pathway, thereby interfering with or preventing the keratinocyte cell proliferation associated with atopic dermatitis.

“Homology” refers to sequence similarity between two polynucleotide sequences or between two polypeptide sequences when they are optimally aligned. When a position in both of the two compared sequences is occupied by the same base or amino acid monomer subunit, e.g., if a position in each of two DNA molecules is occupied by adenine, then the molecules are homologous at that position. The percent of homology is the number of homologous positions shared by the two sequences divided by the total number of positions compared x 100. For example, if 6 of 10 of the positions in two sequences are matched or homologous when the sequences are optimally aligned then the two sequences are 60% homologous. Generally, the comparison is made when two sequences are aligned to give maximum percent homology.

“Isolated nucleic acid molecule” means a DNA or RNA of genomic, mRNA, cDNA, or synthetic origin or some combination thereof which is not associated with all or a portion of a polynucleotide in which the isolated polynucleotide is found in nature, or is linked to a polynucleotide to which it is not linked in nature. For purposes of this disclosure, it should be understood that “a nucleic acid molecule comprising” a particular nucleotide sequence does not encompass intact chromosomes. Isolated nucleic acid molecules “comprising” specified nucleic acid sequences may include, in addition to the specified sequences, coding sequences for up to ten or even up to twenty or more other proteins or portions or fragments thereof, or may include operably linked regulatory sequences that control expression of the coding region of the recited nucleic acid sequences, and/or may include vector sequences.

The phrase “control sequences” refers to DNA sequences necessary for the expression of an operably linked coding sequence in a particular host organism. The control sequences that are suitable for prokaryotes, for example, include a promoter, optionally an operator sequence, and a ribosome binding site. Eukaryotic cells are known to use promoters, polyadenylation signals, and enhancers.

A nucleic acid is “operably linked” when it is placed into a functional relationship with another nucleic acid sequence. For example, DNA for a pre-sequence or secretory leader is operably linked to DNA for a polypeptide if it is expressed as a pre-protein that participates in the secretion of the polypeptide; a promoter or enhancer is operably linked to a coding sequence if it affects the transcription of the sequence; or a ribosome binding site is operably linked to a coding sequence if it is positioned so as to facilitate translation. Generally, “operably linked” means that the DNA sequences being linked are contiguous, and, in the case of a secretory leader, contiguous and in reading phase. However, enhancers do not have to be contiguous. Linking is accomplished by ligation at convenient restriction sites. If such sites do not exist, the synthetic oligonucleotide adaptors or linkers are used in accordance with conventional practice.

As used herein, the expressions “cell,” “cell line,” and “cell culture” are used interchangeably and all such designations include progeny. Thus, the words “transformants” and “transformed cells” include the primary subject cell and cultures derived therefrom without regard for the number of transfers. It is also understood that not all progeny will have precisely identical DNA content, due to deliberate or inadvertent mutations. Mutant progeny that have the same function or biological activity as screened for in the originally transformed cell are included. Where distinct designations are intended, it will be clear from the context.

The present invention provides isolated caninized antibodies and/or bispecific antibodies, and/or bispecific binding partners, and/or fusion proteins of the present invention, methods of use of the antibodies and/or bispecific antibodies, and/or bispecific binding partners, and/or fusion proteins thereof in the treatment of a condition e.g., the treatment of atopic dermatitis in canines. In canine, there are four IgG heavy chains referred to as A, B, C, and D. These heavy chains represent four different subclasses of dog IgG, which are referred to as IgG-A (or IgGA), IgG-B (or IgGB), IgG-C (or IgGC) and IgG-D (or IgGD). Each of the two heavy chains consists of one variable domain (VH) and three constant domains referred to as CH-1, CH-2, and CH-3. The CH-1 domain is connected to the CH-2 domain via an amino acid sequence referred to as the “hinge” or alternatively as the “hinge region”.

The DNA and amino acid sequences of these four heavy chains were first identified by Tang et al. [Vet. Immunol. Immunopathol. 80: 259-270 (2001)]. The amino acid and DNA sequences for these heavy chains are also available from the GenBank data bases. For example, the amino acid sequence of IgGA heavy chain has accession number AAL35301.1, IgGB has accession number AAL35302.1, IgGC has accession number AAL35303.1, and IgGD has accession number (AAL35304.1). Canine antibodies also contain two types of light chains, kappa or lambda. The DNA and amino acid sequence of these light chains can be obtained from GenBank Databases. For example the kappa light chain amino acid sequence has accession number ABY 57289.1 and the lambda light chain has accession number ABY 55569.1.

Caninized murine or rat anti-canine antibodies that bind canine IL-31, IL-31R alpha, IL-22, or IL-4R alpha include, but are not limited to: antibodies, and/or bispecific antibodies, and/or bispecific binding partners, and/or fusion proteins of the present invention that comprise canine IgG-A, IgG-B, IgG-C, and IgG-D heavy chains and/or canine kappa or lambda light chains together with murine or rat anti-canine antigen CDRs. Accordingly, the present invention provides isolated caninized murine or rat anti-canine antibodies, and/or bispecific antibodies, and/or bispecific binding partners, and/or fusion proteins of the present invention that bind to their corresponding canine antigens and block the binding of that canine antigen to their natural binding partner.

Accordingly, the present invention further provides caninized murine or rat antibodies and methods of use of the antibodies, and/or bispecific antibodies, and/or bispecific binding partners, and/or fusion proteins of the present invention in the treatment of a condition e.g., the treatment of atopic dermatitis in canines.

The present invention further provides full length canine heavy chains that can be matched with corresponding light chains to make a caninized antibody. Accordingly, the present invention further provides caninized murine or rat anti-canine antigen antibodies, (including isolated caninized murine or rat anti-canine antibodies) and/or bispecific antibodies and/or bispecific binding partners comprising the caninized antibodies and/or fusion proteins of the present invention and methods of use of the antibodies and/or bispecific antibodies, and/or bispecific binding partners, and/or fusion proteins of the present invention in the treatment of a condition e.g., the treatment of atopic dermatitis in canines.

The present invention also provides antibodies, and/or bispecific antibodies, and/or bispecific binding partners, and/or fusion proteins of the present invention that comprise a canine fragment crystallizable region (cFc region) in which the cFc has been genetically modified to augment, decrease, or eliminate one or more effector functions. In one aspect of the present invention, the genetically modified cFc decreases or eliminates one or more effector functions. In another aspect of the invention the genetically modified cFc augments one or more effector function. In certain embodiments, the genetically modified cFc region is a genetically modified canine IgGB Fc region. In another such embodiment, the genetically modified cFc region is a genetically modified canine IgGC Fc region. In a particular embodiment the effector function is antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC) that is augmented, decreased, or eliminated. In another embodiment the effector function is complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) that is augmented, decreased, or eliminated. In yet another embodiment, the cFc region has been genetically modified to augment, decrease, or eliminate both the ADCC and the CDC.

In order to generate variants of canine IgG that lack effector functions, a number of mutant canine IgGB heavy chains were generated. These variants may include one or more of the following single or combined substitutions in the Fc portion of the heavy chain amino acid sequence: P4A, D31A, N63A, G64P, T65A, A93G, and P95A. Variant heavy chains (i.e., containing such amino acid substitutions) were cloned into expression plasmids and transfected into HEK 293 cells along with a plasmid containing the gene encoding a light chain. Intact antibodies expressed and purified from HEK 293 cells were evaluated for binding to Fc_(γ)RI and C1q to assess their potential for mediation of immune effector functions. [See, U.S. 10,106,607 B2, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.]

The present invention also provides modified canine IgG-Ds which in place of its natural IgG-D hinge region they comprise a hinge region from:

IgG-A: FNECRCTDTPPCPVPEP SEQ ID NO: 23

IgG-B: PKRENGRVPRPPDCPKCPAPEM SEQ ID NO: 24

; or

IgG-C: AKECECKCNCNNCPCPGCGL SEQ ID NO: 25

.

Alternatively, the IgG-D hinge region can be genetically modified by replacing a serine residue with a proline residue, i.e., PKESTCKCIPPCPVPES, SEQ ID NO: 26 (with the proline residue (P) underlined and in bold substituting for the naturally occurring serine residue). Such modifications can lead to a canine IgG-D lacking fab arm exchange. The modified canine IgG-Ds can be constructed using standard methods of recombinant DNA technology [e.g., Maniatis et al., Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual (1982)]. In order to construct these variants, the nucleic acids encoding the amino acid sequence of canine IgG-D can be modified so that it encodes the modified IgGDs. The modified nucleic acid sequences are then cloned into expression plasmids for protein expression.

Sequence identity refers to the degree to which the amino acids of two polypeptides are the same at equivalent positions when the two sequences are optimally aligned. As used herein one amino acid sequence is 100% “identical” to a second amino acid sequence when the amino acid residues of both sequences are identical. Accordingly, an amino acid sequence is 50% “identical” to a second amino acid sequence when 50% of the amino acid residues of the two amino acid sequences are identical. The sequence comparison is performed over a contiguous block of amino acid residues comprised by a given protein, e.g., a protein, or a portion of the polypeptide being compared. In particular embodiments, selected deletions or insertions that could otherwise alter the correspondence between the two amino acid sequences are taken into account.

Sequence similarity includes identical residues and nonidentical, biochemically related amino acids. Biochemically related amino acids that share similar properties and may be interchangeable.

“Conservatively modified variants” or “conservative substitution” refers to substitutions of amino acids in a protein with other amino acids having similar characteristics (e.g. charge, side-chain size, hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity, backbone conformation and rigidity, etc.), such that the changes can frequently be made without altering the biological activity of the protein. Those of skill in this art recognize that, in general, single amino acid substitutions in non-essential regions of a polypeptide do not substantially alter biological activity [see, e.g., Watson et al., Molecular Biology of the Gene, The Benjamin/Cummings Pub. Co., p. 224 (4th Ed.; 1987)]. In addition, substitutions of structurally or functionally similar amino acids are less likely to disrupt biological activity. Exemplary conservative substitutions are set forth in Table A directly below.

TABLE A Exemplary Conservative Amino Acid Substitutions Original residue Conservative substitution Ala (A) Gly; Ser Arg (R) Lys; His Asn (N) Gln; His Asp (D) Glu; Asn Cys (C) Ser; Ala Gin (Q) Asn Glu (E) Asp; Gln Gly (G) Ala His (H) Asn; Gln Ile (I) Leu; Val Leu (L) Ile; Val Lys (K) Arg; His Met (M) Leu; Ile; Tyr Phe (F) Tyr; Met; Leu Pro (P) Ala; Gly Ser (S) Thr Thr (T) Ser Trp (W) Tyr; Phe Tyr (Y) Trp; Phe Val (V) Ile; Leu

Function-conservative variants of the antibodies of the invention are also contemplated by the present invention. “Function-conservative variants,” as used herein, refers to antibodies or fragments in which one or more amino acid residues have been changed without altering a desired property, such an antigen affinity and/or specificity. Such variants include, but are not limited to, replacement of an amino acid with one having similar properties, such as the conservative amino acid substitutions of Table A above.

Nucleic Acids

The present invention further comprises the nucleic acids encoding the antibodies and/or the bispecific antibodies, and/or bispecific binding partners, and/or fusion proteins of the present invention (see e.g., Examples below).

Also included in the present invention are nucleic acids that encode immunoglobulin polypeptides comprising amino acid sequences that are at least about 70% identical, preferably at least about 80% identical, more preferably at least about 90% identical and most preferably at least about 95% identical (e.g., 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 100%) to the amino acid sequences of the caninized antibodies provided herein when the comparison is performed by a BLAST algorithm wherein the parameters of the algorithm are selected to give the largest match between the respective sequences over the entire length of the respective reference sequences. The present invention further provides nucleic acids that encode immunoglobulin polypeptides comprising amino acid sequences that are at least about 70% similar, preferably at least about 80% similar, more preferably at least about 90% similar and most preferably at least about 95% similar (e.g., 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 100%) to any of the reference amino acid sequences when the comparison is performed with a BLAST algorithm, wherein the parameters of the algorithm are selected to give the largest match between the respective sequences over the entire length of the respective reference sequences, are also included in the present invention.

As used herein, nucleotide and amino acid sequence percent identity can be determined using C, MacVector (MacVector, Inc. Cary, NC 27519), Vector NTI (Informax, Inc. MD), Oxford Molecular Group PLC (1996) and the Clustal W algorithm with the alignment default parameters, and default parameters for identity. These commercially available programs can also be used to determine sequence similarity using the same or analogous default parameters. Alternatively, an Advanced Blast search under the default filter conditions can be used, e.g., using the GCG (Genetics Computer Group, Program Manual for the GCG Package, Version 7, Madison, Wisconsin) pileup program using the default parameters.

The following references relate to BLAST algorithms often used for sequence analysis: BLAST ALGORITHMS: Altschul, S.F., et al., J. Mol. Biol. 215:403-410 (1990); Gish, W., et al., Nature Genet. 3:266-272 (1993); Madden, T.L., etal., Meth. Enzymol. 266:131-141(1996); Altschul, S.F., et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 25:3389-3402 (1997); Zhang, J., et al., Genome Res. 7:649-656 (1997); Wootton, J.C., et al., Comput. Chem. 17:149-163 (1993); Hancock, J.M. et al., Comput. Appl. Biosci. 10:67-70 (1994); ALIGNMENT SCORING SYSTEMS: Dayhoff, M.O., et al., “A model of evolutionary change in proteins.” in Atlas of Protein Sequence and Structure, vol. 5, suppl. 3. M.O. Dayhoff (ed.), pp. 345-352, (1978); Natl. Biomed. Res. Found., Washington, DC; Schwartz, R.M., et al., “Matrices for detecting distant relationships.” in Atlas of Protein Sequence and Structure, vol. 5, suppl. 3.” (1978), M.O. Dayhoff (ed.), pp. 353-358 (1978), Natl. Biomed. Res. Found., Washington, DC; Altschul, S.F., J. Mol. Biol. 219:555-565 (1991); States, D.J., etal., Methods 3:66-70(1991); Henikoff, S., et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89: 10915-10919 (1992); Altschul, S.F., et al., J. Mol. Evol. 36:290-300 (1993); ALIGNMENT STATISTICS: Karlin, S., et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87:2264-2268 (1990); Karlin, S., et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:5873-5877 (1993); Dembo, A., et al., Ann. Prob. 22:2022-2039 (1994); and Altschul, S.F. “Evaluating the statistical significance of multiple distinct local alignments.” in Theoretical and Computational Methods in Genome Research (S. Suhai, ed.), pp. 1-14, Plenum, New York (1997).

Antibodies and/or the bispecific antibodies, and/or bispecific binding partners, and/or fusion proteins of the present invention can be produced recombinantly by methods that are known in the field. Mammalian cell lines available as hosts for expression of the antibodies or fragments disclosed herein are well known in the art and include many immortalized cell lines available from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). These include, inter alia, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, NSO, SP2 cells, HeLa cells, baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells, monkey kidney cells (COS), human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (e.g., Hep G2), A549 cells, 3T3 cells, HEK-293 cells and a number of other cell lines. Mammalian host cells include human, mouse, rat, dog, monkey, pig, goat, bovine, horse and hamster cells. Cell lines of particular preference are selected through determining which cell lines have high expression levels. Other cell lines that may be used are insect cell lines, such as Sf9 cells, amphibian cells, bacterial cells, plant cells and fungal cells. When recombinant expression vectors encoding the heavy chain or antigen-binding portion or fragment thereof, the light chain and/or antigen-binding fragment thereof are introduced into mammalian host cells, the antibodies are produced by culturing the host cells for a period of time sufficient to allow for expression of the antibody in the host cells or, more preferably, secretion of the antibody into the culture medium in which the host cells are grown.

Antibodies can be recovered from the culture medium using standard protein purification methods. Further, expression of antibodies of the invention (or other moieties therefrom) from production cell lines can be enhanced using a number of known techniques. For example, the glutamine synthetase gene expression system (the GS system) is a common approach for enhancing expression under certain conditions. The GS system is discussed in whole or part in connection with European Patent Nos. 0 216 846, 0 256 055, and 0 323 997 and European Patent Application No. 89303964.4.

In general, glycoproteins produced in a particular cell line or transgenic animal will have a glycosylation pattern that is characteristic for glycoproteins produced in the cell line or transgenic animal. Therefore, the particular glycosylation pattern of an antibody will depend on the particular cell line or transgenic animal used to produce the antibody. However, all antibodies encoded by the nucleic acid molecules provided herein, or comprising the amino acid sequences provided herein, comprise the instant invention, independent of the glycosylation pattern that the antibodies may have. Similarly, in particular embodiments, antibodies with a glycosylation pattern comprising only non-fucosylated N-glycans may be advantageous, because these antibodies have been shown to typically exhibit more potent efficacy than their fucosylated counterparts both in vitro and in vivo [See for example, Shinkawa et al., J. Biol. Chem. 278: 3466-3473 (2003); U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,946,292 and 7,214,775].

Antibody and Fusion Protein Engineering

For the fusion proteins of the present invention, a heavy chain constant region, e.g., a canine constant region, such as IgGA, IgGB, IgGC and IgGD, or a variant thereof is joined with a protein that binds IL-22. In this way, a protein that binds IL-22 can be associated with an antibody monomer to form a bispecific binding partner. Such antibodies or antigen binding fragment also comprise a light chain constant region, e.g., a canine light chain constant region, such as a lambda or kappa canine light chain constant region or variant thereof. By way of example, and not limitation, the canine heavy chain constant region can be from IgG-B or a modified cFc, such as the IgG-Bm used herein [see, U.S. 10,106,607 B2, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety] and the canine light chain constant region can be from kappa.

The antibodies, and/or the bispecific antibodies, and/or bispecific binding partners of the present invention can be engineered to include modifications to the canine framework and/or the canine frame residues within the variable domains of a parental (i.e., mouse or rat) monoclonal antibody, e.g. to improve the properties of the antibody.

Pharmaceutical Compositions and Administration

To prepare pharmaceutical or sterile compositions comprising the antibodies, and/or the bispecific antibodies, and/or bispecific binding partners and/or fusion proteins of the present invention, these antibodies and/or the bispecific antibodies, and/or bispecific binding partners and/or fusion proteins can be admixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. [See, e.g., Remington’s Pharmaceutical Sciences and U.S. Pharmacopeia: National Formulary, Mack Publishing Company, Easton, PA (1984)].

Formulations of therapeutic and diagnostic agents may be prepared by mixing with acceptable carriers, excipients, or stabilizers in the form of, e.g., lyophilized powders, slurries, aqueous solutions or suspensions [see, e.g., Hardman, et al. (2001) Goodman and Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, McGraw-Hill, New York, NY; Gennaro (2000) Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins, New York, NY; Avis, et al. (eds.) (1993) Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Parenteral Medications, Marcel Dekker, NY; Lieberman, et al. (eds.) (1990) Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Tablets, Marcel Dekker, NY; Lieberman, et al. (eds.) (1990) Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Disperse Systems, Marcel Dekker, NY; Weiner and Kotkoskie (2000) Excipient Toxicity and Safety, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, NY]. In one embodiment, the antibodies and/or the bispecific antibodies, and/or bispecific binding partners and/or fusion proteins of the present invention are diluted to an appropriate concentration in a sodium acetate solution pH 5-6, and NaCl or sucrose is added for tonicity. Additional agents, such as polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, may be added to enhance stability.

Toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of the antibody compositions, administered alone or in combination with another agent, can be determined by standard pharmaceutical procedures in cell cultures or experimental animals, e.g., for determining the LD₅₀ (the dose lethal to 50% of the population) and the ED₅₀ (the dose therapeutically effective in 50% of the population). The dose ratio between toxic and therapeutic effects is the therapeutic index (LD₅₀/ ED₅₀). In particular aspects, antibodies exhibiting high therapeutic indices are desirable. The data obtained from these cell culture assays and animal studies can be used in formulating a range of dosage for use in canines. The dosage of such compounds lies preferably within a range of circulating concentrations that include the ED₅₀ with little or no toxicity. The dosage may vary within this range depending upon the dosage form employed and the route of administration.

The mode of administration can vary. Suitable routes of administration include oral, rectal, transmucosal, intestinal, parenteral; intramuscular, subcutaneous, intradermal, intramedullary, intrathecal, direct intraventricular, intravenous, intraperitoneal, intranasal, intraocular, inhalation, insufflation, topical, cutaneous, transdermal, or intra-arterial. In particular embodiments, the antibodies and/or the bispecific antibodies, and/or bispecific binding partners, and/or fusion proteins of the present invention can be administered by an invasive route such as by injection. In further embodiments of the invention, the antibodies and/or the bispecific antibodies and/or bispecific binding partners, and/or fusion proteins of the present invention, or pharmaceutical composition thereof, is administered intravenously, subcutaneously, intramuscularly, intraarterially, or by inhalation, aerosol delivery. Administration by non-invasive routes (e.g., orally; for example, in a pill, capsule or tablet) is also within the scope of the present invention.

Compositions can be administered with medical devices known in the art. For example, a pharmaceutical composition of the invention can be administered by injection with a hypodermic needle, including, e.g., a prefilled syringe or autoinjector. The pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein may also be administered with a needleless hypodermic injection device; such as the devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.: 6,620,135; 6,096,002; 5,399,163; 5,383,851; 5,312,335; 5,064,413; 4,941,880; 4,790,824 or 4,596,556.

The pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein may also be administered by infusion. Examples of well-known implants and modules form administering pharmaceutical compositions include: U.S. Pat. No. 4,487,603, which discloses an implantable micro-infusion pump for dispensing medication at a controlled rate; U.S. Pat. No. 4,447,233, which discloses a medication infusion pump for delivering medication at a precise infusion rate; U.S. Pat. No. 4,447,224, which discloses a variable flow implantable infusion apparatus for continuous drug delivery; U.S. Pat. No. 4,439,196, which discloses an osmotic drug delivery system having multi-chamber compartments. Many other such implants, delivery systems, and modules are well known to those skilled in the art.

Alternatively, one may administer the antibodies, and/or the bispecific antibodies, and/or bispecific binding partners, and/or fusion proteins of the present invention in a local rather than systemic manner, often in a depot or sustained release formulation.

The administration regimen depends on several factors, including the serum or tissue turnover rate of the therapeutic the antibodies, and/or the bispecific antibodies, and/or bispecific binding partners, and/or fusion proteins, the level of symptoms, the immunogenicity of the therapeutic antibodies and/or the bispecific antibodies, and/or bispecific binding partners, and/or fusion proteins and the accessibility of the target cells in the biological matrix. Preferably, the administration regimen delivers sufficient therapeutic antibodies and/or the bispecific antibodies, and/or bispecific binding partners, and/or fusion proteins to effect improvement in the target disease/condition state, while simultaneously minimizing undesired side effects. Accordingly, the amount of biologic delivered depends in part on the particular therapeutic antibodies, and/or the bispecific antibodies, and/or bispecific binding partners, and/or fusion proteins and the severity of the condition being treated. Guidance in selecting appropriate doses of therapeutic antibodies is available [see, e.g., Wawrzynczak Antibody Therapy, Bios Scientific Pub. Ltd, Oxfordshire, UK (1996); Kresina (ed.) Monoclonal Antibodies, Cytokines and Arthritis, Marcel Dekker, New York, NY (1991); Bach (ed.) Monoclonal Antibodies and Peptide Therapy in Autoimmune Diseases, Marcel Dekker, New York, NY (1993); Baert, et al. New Engl. J. Med. 348:601-608 (2003); Milgrom et al. New Engl. J. Med. 341:1966-1973 (1999); Slamon et al. New Engl. J. Med. 344:783-792 (2001); Beniaminovitz et al. New Engl. J. Med. 342:613-619 (2000); Ghosh et al. New Engl. J. Med. 348:24-32 (2003); Lipsky et al. New Engl. J. Med. 343:1594-1602 (2000)].

Determination of the appropriate dose is made by the veterinarian, e.g., using parameters or factors known or suspected in the art to affect treatment. Generally, the dose begins with an amount somewhat less than the optimum dose and it is increased by small increments thereafter until the desired or optimum effect is achieved relative to any negative side effects. Important diagnostic measures include those of the symptoms.

Antibodies and/or the bispecific antibodies, and/or bispecific binding partners, and/or fusion proteins provided herein may be provided by continuous infusion, or by doses administered, e.g., daily, 1-7 times per week, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, bimonthly, quarterly, semiannually, annually etc. Doses may be provided, e.g., intravenously, subcutaneously, topically, orally, nasally, rectally, intramuscular, intracerebrally, intraspinally, or by inhalation. A total weekly dose is generally at least 0.05 µg/kg body weight, more generally at least 0.2 µg/kg, 0.5 µg/kg, 1 µg/kg, 10 µg/kg, 100 µg/kg, 0.25 mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg, 2.0 mg/kg, 5.0 mg/ml, 10 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg or more [see, e.g., Yang, et al. New Engl. J. Med. 349:427-434 (2003); Herold, et al. New Engl. J. Med. 346:1692-1698 (2002); Liu, et al. J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psych. 67:451-456 (1999); Portielji, et al. Cancer Immunol. Immunother. 52:133-144 (2003)]. Doses may also be provided to achieve a pre-determined target concentration of antibodies, and/or the bispecific antibodies, and/or bispecific binding partners, and/or fusion proteins of the present invention in the canine’s serum, such as 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, 10, 30, 100, 300 µg/ml or more. In other embodiments, antibodies and/or the bispecific antibodies, and/or bispecific binding partners, and/or fusion proteins of the present invention is administered subcutaneously or intravenously, on a weekly, biweekly, “every 4 weeks,” monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly basis at 10, 20, 50, 80, 100, 200, 500, 1000 or 2500 mg/subject.

As used herein, “inhibit” or “treat” or “treatment” includes a postponement of development of the symptoms associated with a disorder and/or a reduction in the severity of the symptoms of such disorder. The terms further include ameliorating existing uncontrolled or unwanted symptoms, preventing additional symptoms, and ameliorating or preventing the underlying causes of such symptoms. Thus, the terms denote that a beneficial result has been conferred on a vertebrate subject (e.g., a canine) with a disorder, condition and/or symptom, or with the potential to develop such a disorder, disease or symptom.

As used herein, the terms “therapeutically effective amount”, “therapeutically effective dose” and “effective amount” refer to an amount of antibodies, and/or the bispecific antibodies and/or bispecific binding partners, and/or fusion proteins of the present invention that, when administered alone or in combination with an additional therapeutic agent to a cell, tissue, or subject, e.g., canine, is effective to cause a measurable improvement in one or more symptoms of a disease or condition or the progression of such disease or condition. A therapeutically effective dose further refers to that amount of the antibodies, and/or the bispecific antibodies, and/or bispecific binding partners, and/or fusion proteins sufficient to result in at least partial amelioration of symptoms, e.g., treatment, healing, prevention or amelioration of the relevant medical condition, or an increase in rate of treatment, healing, prevention or amelioration of such conditions. When applied to a combination, a therapeutically effective dose refers to combined amounts of the active ingredients that result in the therapeutic effect, whether administered in combination, serially, or simultaneously. An effective amount of a therapeutic will result in an improvement of a diagnostic measure or parameter by at least 10%; usually by at least 20%; preferably at least about 30%; more preferably at least 40%, and most preferably by at least 50%. An effective amount can also result in an improvement in a subjective measure in cases where subjective measures are used to assess severity of the condition.

Other Combination Therapies

The compositions comprising the antibodies, and/or the bispecific antibodies, and/or bispecific binding partners, and/or fusion proteins of the present invention, can comprise one or more additional therapeutic components. One such family of therapeutic components are Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. In a particular embodiment of this type the JAK inhibitor comprises the chemical formula of:

where R¹is C₁₋₄ alkyl optionally substituted with hydroxy, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof [U.S. 8,133,899; U.S. 8,987,283]. More particularly the JAK inhibitor is oclacitinib and even more particularly, oclacitinib maleate. An alternative JAK inhibitor, which preferentially inhibits JAK1 relative to JAK3 is: 1-[(3R,4S)-4-cyanotetrahydropyran-3-yl]-3-[(2-fluoro-6-methoxy-4-pyridyl)amino]pyrazole-4-carboxamide, which comprises the chemical formula of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof [see, WO 2018/108969].

Another therapeutic component that can be added to a composition of the present invention can be a spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) inhibitor. One such SYK inhibitor is (1S,4R)-4-hydroxy-2,2-dimethyl-4-{5-[3-methyl-5-(4-methyl-pyrimidin-2-ylamino)-phenyl]-1,3-thiazol-2-yl}-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof [see e.g., U.S. 8,759,366].

In addition, yet another therapeutic component that can be added to a composition of the present invention can an antagonist to a chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on TH2 cells comprising the chemical formula of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof [see also, U.S. 7,696,222, U.S. 8,546,422, U.S. 8,637,541, WO 2010/099039; WO 2010/031183; and U.S. 8,546,422].

These additional therapeutic components can be administered to the canine subject prior to, in conjunction with, or following the administration of the composition comprising the antibodies, and/or the bispecific antibodies, and/or bispecific binding partners, and/or fusion proteins of the present invention.

EXAMPLES General Material and Methods

In all of the examples below, the recombinant proteins were obtained by providing the amino acid sequence for a selected protein to a commercial manufacturer (ATUM, Newark, California), who in turn chose an appropriate nucleotide sequence that encoded this amino acid sequence. The nucleotide sequences also can be obtained from publicly available DNA databases, such as GenBank®. The commercial manufacturer then chemically synthesized the nucleic acid, which next was cloned by ATUM into an expression plasmid (pD2610-v10; available from AUTM) for producing the corresponding recombinant protein. The plasmid was placed into either HEK-293 cells or CHO cells to express the recombinant protein, which was then isolated by conventional methods.

Example 1 Canine IL-22 and Binding Proteins to IL-22

A nucleic acid encoding the extracellular domain (ECD) of canine IL-22RA1 was joined with a nucleic acid encoding the canine IgG-B Fc to form a nucleic acid encoding canine IL-22RA1-Fc fusion protein by chemical synthesis. Analogously, a nucleic acid encoding the canine IL-22 binding protein (cIL-22BP; also known as cIL-22 receptor alpha 2, and cIL-22RA2) was joined with a nucleic acid encoding the canine IgG-B Fc to form a nucleic acid encoding the canine IL-22BP-Fc fusion protein by chemical synthesis. These nucleic acids were then individually cloned into expression plasmids that are suitable for production of the corresponding proteins in eukaryotic cells such as HEK-293 or CHO cells. Both the canine IL-22RA1-Fc fusion protein and the canine IL-22BP-Fc fusion protein bind to canine IL-22 and subsequently block the binding of canine IL-22 to the full-length membrane bound canine IL-22RA1.

Binding of Canine IL-22RA1 and Canine IL-22BP (IL-RA2) to Canine IL-22 Materials

-   1. Coating Antigen: cIL-22-His (canine IL-22 with a His Tag) -   2. cIL-22BP-Fc fusion protein (canine IL-22BP-Fc fusion protein) -   3. cIL-22RA1-Fc fusion protein (canine IL-22RA1-Fc fusion protein) -   4. cPD-L1-Fc, 6.8 mg/mL. (canine PD-L1-IgG-B Fc fusion protein, used     as a control). -   5. Horse Radish peroxidase (HRP) conjugated rabbit anti-dog IgG     (Fc), Sigma Catalog No. SAB3700109, 1.5 mg/mL. -   6. 3,3′,5,5′-Tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) Peroxidase Substrate,     SeraCare KPL 5120-0048, -   7. PEROXIDASE SUBSTRATE SOLUTION B, SeraCare KPL 5120-0037 -   8. phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) -   9. phosphate-buffered saline with TWEEN® (PBST) National Veterinary     Services Laboratories (NVSL) -   10. 1.5 M Phosphoric Acid.

Methods

-   1. Dilute cIL-22-His to 1 µg/mL in PBS and add 100 µL/well to ELISA     plate. Incubate at 2-7° C. overnight. -   2. Wash coated plate(s) 3 times, 200 µL/well/wash with NVSL-PBST     using automatic plate washer. -   3. Block ELISA plate with 200 µL of 5% non-fat dry milk (NFDM) in     NVSL-PBST, seal and incubate at 37° C. for at least 60 minutes. -   4. Wash blocked ELISA plate 3 times, 200 µL/well/wash with NVSL-PBST     using automatic plate washer. -   5. Dilute cIL-22BP-Fc fusion protein, cIL-22RA1-Fc fusion protein,     and cPD-L1-Fc fusion protein to 10 µg/mL and 3-fold serially dilute     across a dilution plate. Transfer 50 µL of the diluted test samples     to the ELISA plate, seal and incubate at 37° C. with rotation for 60     minutes. -   6. Wash plate 3 times, 200 µL/well/wash with NVSL-PBST using     automatic plate washer. -   7. Add 100 µl/well 1:2500 diluted HRP conjugated anti-dog IgG (Fc),     seal and incubate at 37° C. for 60 minutes. -   8. Mix equal amounts of TMB Peroxidase Substrate and TMB Peroxidase     Substrate Solution B and add 100 µl/well. Incubate at 37° C. for 20     minutes. -   9. Stop with 100 µl/well 1.5 M Phosphoric acid. -   10. Measure A450 - A540 on a spectrophotometer.

cILHIS: [SEQ ID NO: 1]

LPISSHCRLDKSNFQQPYITNRTFMLAKEASLADNNTDVRLIGEKLFHGV NMGERCYLMKEVLNFTLEEVLLPQSDRFQPYMQEVVPFLARLSNKLSQCH IENDDQHIQRNVQKLKDTVQKLGENGEIKAIGELDLLFMALRNACVHHHH HH

cIL-22RA1-FcB: [SEQ ID NO: 2]

AEDTSDLLQYVKFQSSNFENILTWDSGLESAPDVVYSVEYKTYGKKEWLA KEGCQRITRKSCNLTTETGNHTEHYYARVTAVSAGGRSATKMTDRFSSMQ QTTIKPPDVTCIPKVRSIQMIVHPTSTPIHAEDGHRLTLEDIFQDLFYRL ELQVNHTYQMHLGGKQRDYEFIGLSPDTEFLGTITISVPNFFKESAPYVC RVKTLPDRTWTGGGGSGGGGSPKRENGRVPRPPDCPKCPAPEMLGGPSVF IFPPKPKDTLLIARTPEVTCVVVALDPEDPEVQISWFVDGKQMQTAKTQP REEQFAGTYRVVSVLPIGHQDWLKGKQFTCKVNNKALPSPIERTISKARG QAHQPSVYVLPPSREELSKNTVSLTCLIKDFFPPDIDVEWQSNGQQEPES KYRTTPPQLDEDGSYFLYSKLSVDKSRWQRGDTFICAVMHEALHNHYTQE SLSHSPG

cIL-22RA2-FcB: [SEQ ID NO: 3]

TQSAYESLKPQRVHFQSRNFHNILHWQPGRACTSNGSVYFVQYKMYGQRQ WKNKEDCWGILECFCDLTNETSDIQEPYYGRVRTTSAGIHSGWTMTQRFT PWWETKIDPPIINITQVNGSLLVILHAPSLPYRDQKGKNVSIENYYELLY RVFIINNSLEKEQKVYEGAHRIVEIGALAPHTGYCVVAEMYQPMLDRRSP RSEERCMELPGGGGSGGGGSPKRENGRVPRPPDCPKCPAPEMLGGPSVFI FPPKPKDTLLIARTPEVTCVVVALDPEDPEVQISWFVDGKQMQTAKTQPR EEQFAGTYRVVSVLPIGHQDWLKGKQFTCKVNNKALPSPIERTISKARGQ AHQPSVYVLPPSREELSKNTVSLTCLIKDFFPPDIDVEWQSNGQQEPESK YRTTPPQLDEDGSYFLYSKLSVDKSRWQRGDTFICAVMHEALHNHYTQES LSHSPG

Example 2 Anti-IL-4 Receptor Alpha Antibodies.

Anti-canine IL-4 receptor alpha antibodies useful for the present inventions are exemplified by the antibody c152H11VL3-cCLk-s/c152H11VH3-cIgG-Bm and antibody c146E2VL3-cCLk-s/c146E2VH3-cIgG-Bm. Sets of the six (6) CDRs (three individual light chains (LC) and three heavy chains (HC) sequences) for these two antibodies are provided below in Table 1A (nucleic acid sequences) and Table1B (amino acid sequences). The amino acid sequence of the full length LC and HC of these caninized antibodies are provided below Tables 1A and 1B.

IL-4R Alpha Antibody CDR Nucleic Acid And Amino Acid Sequences

TABLE 1A CDR SEQ ID NO 146E2 HCDR1 agatactggatgcac 27 HCDR2 atgattcaccccgacagcggcaacatcaactacaacgagcggttcaagacc 29 HCDR3 cagctgcggaacgccatggattat 31 LCDR1 agagccagcgagagcgtggacagctacggcaacagcttcctgaac 33 LCDR2 agagccagcaacctggcctct 35 LCDR3 cagcagaactacgagaaccccagaacc 37 152H11 HCDR1 agctacggcatgagc 39 HCDR2 acaatcagcagaggcggcgactacacctactatcccgacagcgtgaagggc 41 HCDR3 ggcaccctgaacaaccggggctttgcttct 43 LCDR1 aaggccagccagaacgtgggcaccaatgtggcc 45 LCDR2 agcgccagctaccggtactct 47 LCDR3 cagcagtacaacagctacccctacacc 49

TABLE 1B 146E2 SEQ ID NO 152H11 SEQ ID NO: HCDR1 RYWMH 28 SYGMS 40 HCDR2 MIHPDSGNINYNERFKT 30 TISRGGDYTYYPDSVKG 42 HCDR3 QLRNAMDY 32 GTLNNRGFAS 44 LCDR1 RASESVDSYGNSFLN 34 KASQNVGTNVA 46 LCDR2 RASNLAS 36 SASYRYS 48 LCDR3 QQNYENPRT 38 QQYNSYPYT 50

c152H11VL3-cCLk-s (light chain): [SEQ ID NO: 4]

EIVMTQSPASLSLSQEEKVTITCKASQNVGTNVAWYQQKPGQAPKLLIYS ASYRYSGLPDRFSGSGSGTDFSFTISSLEPEDVAEFFCQQYNSYPYTFGQ GTKLEIKRNDAQPAVYLFQPSPDQLHTGSASVVCLLNSFYPKDINVKWKV DGVIQDTGIQESVTEQDKDSTYSLSSTLTMSSTEYLSHELYSCEITHKSL PSTLIKSFQRSECQRVD

c152H11VH3-cIgG-Bm (heavy chain): [SEQ ID NO: 5]

EVQLVESGGDLVKPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSSYGMSWVRQAPDKRLQWVAT ISRGGDYTYYPDSVKGRFTISRDNAKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAMYYCARGT LNNRGFASWGQGTLVTVSSASTTAPSVFPLAPSCGSTSGSTVALACLVSG YFPEPVTVSWNSGSLTSGVHTFPSVLQSSGLYSLSSMVTVPSSRWPSETF TCNVAHPASKTKVDKPVPKRENGRVPRPPDCPKCPAPEMLGGPSVFIFPP KPKDTLLIARTPEVTCVVVALDPEDPEVQISWFVDGKQMQTAKTQPREEQ FAGTYRVVSVLPIGHQDWLKGKQFTCKVNNKALPSPIERTISKARGQAHQ PSVYVLPPSREELSKNTVSLTCLIKDFFPPDIDVEWQSNGQQEPESKYRT TPPQLDEDGSYFLYSKLSVDKSRWQRGDTFICAVMHEALHNHYTQESLSH SPG

c146E2VL3-cCLk-s (light chain): [SEQ ID NO: 6]

DIVLTQTPLSLSVSPGETASIYCRASESVDSYGNSFLNWYQQKPGQPPKL LIYRASNLASEIPDRFSGSGSRTEFTLKISRVEADDAGVYYCQQNYENPR TFGQGTKLEIKRNDAQPAVYLFQPSPDQLHTGSASVVCLLNSFYPKDINV KWKVDGVIQDTGIQESVTEQDKDSTYSLSSTLTMSSTEYLSHELYSCEIT HKSLPSTLIKSFQRSECQRVD

c146E2VH3-cIgG-Bm (heavy chain): [SEQ ID NO: 7]

EVQLVQSGAEVKKPGASVKVSCKASGYTFARYWMHWMKQAPGAGLDWIGM IHPDSGNINYNERFKTKATLTVDKSTSTAYMELSSLRAGDIAVYYCARQL RNAMDYWGQGTLVTVSSASTTAPSVFPLAPSCGSTSGSTVALACLVSGYF PEPVTVSWNSGSLTSGVHTFPSVLQSSGLYSLSSMVTVPSSRWPSETFTC NVAHPASKTKVDKPVPKRENGRVPRPPDCPKCPAPEMLGGPSVFIFPPKP KDTLLIARTPEVTCVVVALDPEDPEVQISWFVDGKQMQTAKTQPREEQFA GTYRVVSVLPIGHQDWLKGKQFTCKVNNKALPSPIERTISKARGQAHQPS VYVLPPSREELSKNTVSLTCLIKDFFPPDIDVEWQSNGQQEPESKYRTTP PQLDEDGSYFLYSKLSVDKSRWQRGDTFICAVMHEALHNHYTQESLSHSP G

Antibodies against canine IL-4 receptor alpha were tested for their ability to inhibit STA-6 phosphorylation in DH82 Cell as follows:

Materials

-   1. Actively growing DH82 cells -   2. DH82 Cell Growth Media (ATCC® 302003™, Eagle’s Minimum Essential     Medium supplied with heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum to a final     concentration of 15% w/v) -   3. AlphaLISA p-STAT6 (Tyr641) Assay Kit: Perkin Elmer Catalog:     ALSU-PST6-A-HV -   4. Recombinant canine IL-4: R&D Systems, Catalog: 752-CL/CF -   5. Recombinant canine IL-13: R&D Systems, Catalog: 5894-CL/CF -   6. Perkin Elmer Envision     -   a. Caninized anti-canine IL-4R_(α) monoclonal antibodies     -   b. c146E2-H3L3     -   c. c152H11-H3L3     -   d. c4H3

Methods

-   1. Two tissue culture plates were seeded with 8 × 10⁴ DH82 cells per     well (200 µL with the density of 4 × 10⁵ cells/mL) and incubated at     37° C. overnight. -   2. The test antibodies were pre-diluted to 500 µg/mL and then 3-fold     serially diluted in DH82 Cell Growth Media. The media was removed     from the cell culture plates and 50 µL/well of the serially diluted     test sample were transferred to each plate. -   3. Canine IL-4 was diluted to 5 ng/mL in DH82 Cell Growth Media and     50 µL was added to each well of one plate. Canine IL-13 was diluted     to 10 ng/mL in DH82 Cell Growth Media and 50 µL was added to each     well of the second plate. The plates were incubated for 15 min at     37° C. -   4. The media was removed from the plates and 100 µL per well of     freshly prepared 1x lysis buffer from the AlphaLISA p-STAT-6 Assay     Kit was added to the plate. The plate was agitated on a plate shaker     with 350 rpm for 10 minutes at room temperature. -   5. The Acceptor Mix was prepared from the AlphaLISA p-STAT6 Assay     Kit and 15 µL per well was added to 30 µL of the cell lysate in     96-well ½ Area Plates. The plates were sealed, agitated for 2     minutes at 350 rpm, and then incubated for 2 hours at room     temperature. -   6. The Donor Mix was prepared from the AlphaLISA p-STAT6 Assay kit     under subdued laboratory lighting and 15 µL per well was added to     each plate. The plates were sealed, covered with foil, agitated for     2 minutes at 350 rpm, and then incubated for 2 hours at room     temperature. -   7. The plates were read using the AlphaScreen settings on the Perkin     Elmer EnVison.

Example 3 IL-31 Receptor Alpha Nucleotide Sequence

The nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8 encodes the extracellular domain of the canine IL-31 receptor alpha (IL-31RA) fused to a HIS tag comprises. Canine IL-31RA ECD HIS-tagged-protein comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9. The nucleotide sequence was prepared by chemical synthesis and then cloned into expression plasmids that are suitable for production of the corresponding proteins in eukaryotic cells such as HEK-293 or CHO cells.

Canine IL-31RA ECD-10His: [SEQ ID NO: 8]

gtgctgcccgccaagcccgagaacatcagctgcatcttctactacgagga gaacttcacctgcacctggagccccgagaaggaggccagctacacctggt acaaggtgaagagaacctacagctacggctacaagagcgacatctgcagc accgacaacagcaccagaggcaaccacgccagctgcagcttcctgccccc caccatcaccaaccccgacaactacaccatccaggtggaggcccagaacg ccgacggcatcatgaagagcgacatcactactggaacctggacgccatca tgaagatcgagccccccgagatcttcagcgtgaagagcgtgctgggcatc aagagaatgctgcagatcaagtggatcagacccgtgctggccccccacag cagcaccctgaagtacaccctgagattcagaaccatcaacagcgcctact ggatggaggtgaacttcaccaaggaggacatcgacagagacgagacctac aacctgaccgagctgcaggccttcaccgagtacgtgatgaccctgagatg cgcccccgccgagagcatgttctggagcggctggagccaggagaaggtgg gcaccaccgaggaggaggccccctacggcctggacctgtggagagtgctg aagcccgccatggtggacggcagaagacccgtgcagctgatgtggaagaa ggccaccggcgcccccgtgctggagaaggccctgggctacaacatctggt acttccccgagaacaacaccaacctgaccgagaccgtgaacaccaccaac cagacccacgagctgtacctgggcggcaagacctactgggtgtacgtggt gagctacaacagcctgggcgagagccccgtggccaccctgagaatccccg ccctgaacgagaagaccttccagtgcatcgaggccatgcaggcctgcctg acccaggaccagctggtggtggagtggcagagcagcgcccccgaggtgga cacctggatggtggagtggttccccgacgtggacagcgagcccagcagct tcagctgggagagcgtgagccaggccagaaactggaccatccagaaggac gagctgaagcccctgtggtgctacaacatcagcgtgtaccccgtgctgag agacagagtgggccagccctacagcacccaggcctacgtgcaggagggca tccccagcgccggccccgtgacccaggccgacagcatcggcgtgaagacc gtgaccatcacctggaaggagatccccaagagcaagagaaacggcttcat caagaactacaccatcttctaccaggccgaggacggcaaggagttcagca agaccgtgaacagcaacatcctgcagtacagactggagagcctgaccaga agaaccagctacagcctgcaggtgatggccagcaccaacgccggcggcac caacggcaccaagatcaacttcaagaccctgagcatcagccaccaccacc accaccaccaccaccaccac

Expression and Purification of IL-31 Receptor Alpha ECD

Plasmids comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8 were transfected into HEK-293 or CHO cells using electroporation via the MaxCyte instrument as per the manufacturer’s recommendation. Several days following transfection, the supernatants of transfected cells and un-transfected controls were harvested and spun down to remove cellular debris. IL-31RA with the histidine tag were purified from cell culture fluids by passing the clarified harvested fluid from transfected cells over nickel columns as per the manufacturer’s recommendation. Purified proteins were quantified by measuring their absorbance of ultraviolet light at 280 nm.

canine IL-31RA ECD-10His: [SEQ ID NO: 9]

VLPAKPENISCIFYYEENFTCTWSPEKEASYTWYKVKRTYSYGYKSDICS TDNSTRGNHASCSFLPPTITNPDNYTIQVEAQNADGIMKSDITYWNLDAI MKIEPPEIFSVKSVLGIKRMLQIKWIRPVLAPHSSTLKYTLRFRTINSAY WMEVNFTKEDIDRDETYNLTELQAFTEYVMTLRCAPAESMFWSGWSQEKV GTTEEEAPYGLDLWRVLKPAMVDGRRPVQLMWKKATGAPVLEKALGYNIW YFPENNTNLTETVNTTNQTHELYLGGKTYWVYVVSYNSLGESPVATLRIP ALNEKTFQCIEAMQACLTQDQLVVEWQSSAPEVDTWMVEWFPDVDSEPSS FSWESVSQARNWTIQKDELKPLWCYNISVYPVLRDRVGQPYSTQAYVQEG IPSAGPVTQADSIGVKTVTITWKEIPKSKRNGFIKNYTIFYQAEDGKEFS KTVNSNILQYRLESLTRRTSYSLQVMASTNAGGTNGTKINFKTLSISHHH HHHHHHH

Binding of Canine IL-31RA to Biotinylated Canine IL-31

-   1. Coat immunoplate(s) with IL-31RA proteins by diluting to 10 µg/mL     in PBS. Add 100 µL/well. Incubate the plate(s) at 2-7° C. overnight. -   2. Wash the plates 3 times with 275 µL/well of PBST. -   3. Block the plates with 200 µL/well of blocking buffer (1% Dry Milk     in PBST) for 30-45 minutes at 36 ± 2° C. with gentle shaking (120 ±     20 RPM). -   4. Wash the plates 3 times with 275 µL/well of PBST. -   5. Dilute biotinylated IL-31 to 10 ug/mL in 1% NFDM in PBST. -   6. 3-fold dilute biotinylated IL-31 (at 10 µg/mL) in 1% NFDM in PBST     and transfer 100 µL/well to the immunoplate(s). Incubate for 30-45     minutes at 36 ± 2° C. with gentle shaking (120 ± 20 RPM). -   7. Wash the plates 3 times with 275 µL/well of PBST. -   8. Dilute HRP-Streptavidin to a final dilution of 1:1000 in 1% NFDM     in PBST. -   9. Add 100 µL/well of HRP-Streptavidin to the immunoplate(s) and     incubate for 30-45 minutes at 36 ± 2° C. with gentle shaking (120 ±     20 RPM). -   10. Wash the plates 3 times with 275 µL/well of PBST. -   11. Combine equal volumes of pre-warmed TMB 2-Component substrate     immediately before use. -   12. Add 100 µL/well of prepared TMB substrate to the immunoplate(s)     and incubate in the dark for 10 to 15 minutes at 36 ± 2° C. with     gentle shaking (120 ± 20 RPM). -   13. Stop the reaction by addition of 100 µL/well of 1 M H₃PO₄. -   14. Read the plates using a microplate reader at a wavelength of 450     nm with a reference wavelength of 540 nm.

Monoclonal Antibodies Against Canine IL-31 Receptor Alpha

Monoclonal antibodies against canine IL-31RA were produced by the immunization of 2 Lewis rats multiple times with canine IL-31RA ECD (using 10 µg or 25 µg of antigen/rat each time) over a 3 to 4 weeks period. Following immunization, sera was collected from each rat and tested against canine IL-31RA by ELISA. The lymph node cells of the rat with the highest IL-31RA ECD reactivity were fused with the myeloma SP2/0 cell line to produce hybridomas. Approximately 10 days after the fusion, supernatants from growing hybridomas were screened on IL-31RA ECD protein coated plates by ELISA using the protocol described below. There were approximately 263 clones selected that showed potential binding to IL-31RA in this ELISA, with the majority of clones having an OD> 1.

The Procedure for the ELISA

-   1. Coat 96-well half area plates with IL-31RA (1 µg/mL in PBS     buffer), 25 µL/well. Incubate the plates at 4° C. overnight. -   2. Wash the plates 3 times with PBST (PBS +0.05% Tween 20) -   3. Block the plates with blocking buffer (PBS with 5% FBS), 25     ul/well for 30 minutes at room temperature. -   4. Transfer 25 ul/well hybridoma supernatant to the 96-well plates,     incubate 60 minutes at room temperature. -   5. Wash the plates 3 times by PBST. -   6. Add 25 ul/well anti-rat HRP, 1:4000 dilution in blocking buffer,     to the plates and incubate 60 minutes at room temperature. -   7. Wash the plates 5 times by PBST. -   8. Add TMB based reagent to the plates for colorimetric reaction for     2-3 minutes. -   9. Stop the reactions with 0.16 M sulfuric acid. -   10. Read the plates by plate reader.

Blocking Activity of anti-IL-31 Receptor Alpha Antibodies

The ability of anti-canine IL-31RA hybridoma supernatants to block binding of IL-31 to IL-31RA were evaluated in the blocking ELISA described below. Out of 263 clones that showed binding to IL-3 IRA, approximately 24 clones showed potential blocking of IL-31 binding to IL-31RA.

-   1. Coat 96-well half area plates with IL-31RA (1 µg/mL in PBS     buffer), 25 µL/well. Incubate the plates at 4° C. overnight. -   2. Wash the plates 3 times by PBST (PBS +0.05% Tween 20) -   3. Block the plates with blocking buffer (PBS with 5% FBS), 25     ul/well, for 30 minutes at room temperature. -   4. Transfer 25 ul/well hybridoma supernatant to the 96-well plates,     incubate 60 minutes at room temperature. -   5. Wash the plates 3 times with PBST. -   6. Transfer 25 µL/well of biotinylated IL-31 (0.5 µg/mL in blocking     buffer,) incubate 60 minutes at room temperature. -   7. Wash the plates 3 times with PBST. -   8. Add 25 µl/well Streptavidin-HRP, 1:5000 dilution in blocking     buffer, to the plates and incubate 60 minutes at room temperature.     -   Wash the plates five (5) times with PBST.     -   Add TMB based reagent to the plates for colorimetric reaction         for 2-3 minutes.     -   Stop the reactions with 0.16 M sulfuric acid.     -   Read the plates by plate reader.

Biological Activity of Anti-IL-31RA Antibodies

The ability of the anti-IL-31RA antibodies to inhibit the activation of STAT-3 is assessed using Baf3 cell lines that are transfected with the nucleotide sequences of the full-length canine IL-31RA chain and the full-length canine oncostatin M receptor (OSMR) chain. This cell line is also transfected with a luciferase reporter gene. The nucleotide sequences of these receptors were prepared by chemical synthesis and then cloned into expression plasmids that are suitable for expression of the corresponding proteins in baf3 cells.

Biological Activity of Anti-IL-31RA Antibodies: Stat-3 Inhibition in Baf3 Cells

The ability of the anti-IL-31 receptor alpha antibodies to inhibit the activation of STAT-3 in Baf3 cells is assessed as follows:

-   1. Prepare a cell suspension with a viable cell density of 5 × 10⁵     cells/mL and add 200 µL to each well of a 96-well tissue culture     plate (1 × 10⁵ cells/well). Incubate plates in a humidified 37° C.     incubator for 22-24 hours. -   2. Remove media from the plates and add 200 µL Eagle’s Minimum     Essential Media (EMEM) to each well of the cell plate. Return the     plate to the 37° C. incubator for 2 hours. -   3. Remove media from the cell plate and add 50 µL/well supernatant     from an anti-IL-31RA hybridoma grown in PBS. Incubate the plates at     37° C. for 1 hour. Add 50 µL/well of 80 ng/mL cIL-31 diluted in PBS     and incubate the plate for 5 min at 37° C. -   4. Remove media from the plate and add 100 µL/well of freshly     prepared 1x lysis buffer to all wells. Agitate plate on a plate     shaker at 350 rpm for 10 min at room temperature. At this point, the     cell lysates may be stored frozen at -20° C. -   5. pSTAT-3 AlphaLISA:     -   Prepare reagents from AlphaLISA® SureFire® Ultra™ p-STAT3 Assay         Kit as per kit instructions.     -   Transfer 30 µL of the cell lysate to a 96-well half area plate         and add 15 µL /well Acceptor Mix to the cell lysate. Seal plate         and incubate for 1 hour at room temperature.     -   Add 15 µL/well of Donor Mix to the cell plate. Seal the plate,         cover with foil and incubate for one hour or overnight at room         temperature. Note ― donor mix is light sensitive.     -   Read plate on Perkin Elmer EnVison using Alpha Screen Assay         settings.

Example 4 Antibodies to Canine IL-31

Antibodies that may be useful in the current invention are those described in U.S. 9,206,253B2 and U.S. 10,150,810B2. Preferably these antibodies have the following Light chain and Heavy chain sequences:

Caninized heavy chain sequence from mouse antibody clone M14 and canine IgG-B: [SEQ ID NO: 10]

EVQLVESGPSLVKPGGSLRLTCSVTGDSITSGYWNWIRKFPGNKLEYMGY ISYSGITDYNPSLKSRITISRDTSKNQYYLQLNSVTTEDTATYYCARYGN YGYAMDYWGQGTLVTVSSASTTAPSVFPLAPSCGSTSGSTVALACLVSGY FPEPVTVSWNSGSLTSGVHTFPSVLQSSGLYSLSSMVTVPSSRWPSETFT CNVAHPASKTKVDKPVPKRENGRVPRPPDCPKCPAPEMLGGPSVFIFPPK PKDTLLIARTPEVTCVWDLDPEDPEVQISWFVDGKQMQTAKTQPREEQFA GTYRWSVLPIGHQDWLKGKQFTCKVNNKALPSPIERTISKARGQAHQPSV YVLPPSREELSKNTVSLTCLIKDFFPPDIDVEWQSNGQQEPESKYRTTPP QLDEDGSYFLYSKLSVDKSRWQRGDTFICAVMHEALHNHYTQESLSHSPG K

Caninized light chain sequence from mouse antibody clone M14 and canine light chain constant region: [SEQ ID NO: 11]

DIVMTQSPASLSVSLGQRATISCRASESVDTYGNSFMHWYQQKPGQSPKL LIYRASNLESGIPARFGGSGSGTDFTLTIDPVQADDVATYYCQQSYEDPW TFGGGTKLEIKRNDAQPAVYLFQPSPDQLHTGSASWCLLNSFYPKDINVK WKVDGVIQDTGIQESVTEQDKDSTYSLSSTLTMSSTEYLSHELYSCEITH KSLPSTLIKSFQRSECQRVD

Zoe-LC: Caninized light chain sequence: [SEQ ID NO: 12]

EIVMTQSPASLSLSQEEKVTITCKASQSVSFAGTGLMHWYQQKPGQAPKL LIYRASNLEAGVPSRFSGSGSGTDFSFTISSLEPEDVAVYYCQQSREYPW TFGQGTKLEIKRNDAQPAVYLFQPSPDQLHTGSASVVCLLNSFYPKDINV KWKVDGVIQDTGIQESVTEQDKDSTYSLSSTLTMSSTEYLSHELYSCEIT HKSLPSTLIKSFQRSEC

Zoe-HC: Caninized heavy chain sequence: [SEQ ID NO: 13]

EVQLVESGGDLVKPGGSLRLSCVASGFTFSNYGMSWVRQAPGKGLQWVAT ISYGGSYTYYPDNIKGRFTISRDNAKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAMYYCVRGY GYDTMDYWGQGTLVTVSSASTTAPSVFPLAPSCGSTSGSTVALACLVSGY FPEPVTVSWNSGSLTSGVHTFPSVLQSSGLYSLSSMVTVPSSRWPSETFT CNVAHPASKTKVDKPVPKRENGRVPRPPDCPKCPAPEMLGGPSVFIFPPK PKDTLLIARTPEVTCVVVDLDPEDPEVQISWFVDGKQMQTAKTQPREEQF NGTYRVVSVLPIGHQDWLKGKQFTCKVNNKALPSPIERTISKARGQAHQP SVYVLPPSREELSKNTVSLTCLIKDFFPPDIDVEWQSNGQQEPESKYRTT PPQLDEDGSYFLYSKLSVDKSRWQRGDTFICAVMHEALHNHYTQESLSHS PG

Example 5 Caninized Antibody to IL-31RA

IL-31 receptor alpha C10A12VH1-CIGGBM [SEQ ID NO: 51]

EVQLVESGGDLVKPGGSLRLSCVASGFTFSNYYMAWVRQAPGKGLQWVAS ISTGGGNTYYRDSVKGRFTISRDNAKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAMYYCAKHG TLYFDYWGQGTLVTVSSASTTAPSVFPLAPSCGSTSGSTVALACLVSGYF PEPVTVSWNSGSLTSGVHTFPSVLQSSGLYSLSSMVTVPSSRWPSETFTC NVAHPASKTKVDKPVPKRENGRVPRPPDCPKCPAPEMLGGPSVFIFPPKP KDTLLIARTPEVTCVVVALDPEDPEVQISWFVDGKQMQTAKTQPREEQFA GTYRVVSVLPIGHQDWLKGKQFTCKVNNKALPSPIERTISKARGQAHQPS VYVLPPSREELSKNTVSLTCLIKDFFPPDIDVEWQSNGQQEPESKYRTTP PQLDEDGSYFLYSKLSVDKSRWQRGDTFICAVMHEALHNHYTQESLSHSP GK

IL-31 receptor alpha C10A12VL5-CCL [SEQ ID NO: 52]

QPVLTQPPSLSASLGTTARLTCERSSGDIGDSYVSWYQQKPGSPPRDLLY VDDQRPSGVSKSFSGSKDTSANAGLLLISGLQPEDEADYYCQSYDSNIDG PVFGGGTHLTVLGQPKASPSVTLFPPSSEELGANKATLVCLISDFYPSGV TVAWKADGSPVTQGVETTKPSKQSNNKYAASSYLSLTPDKWKSHSSFSCL VTHEGSTVEKKVAPAECS

Example 6 Bispecific Binding Partners and Bispecific Antibodies

A bispecific binding partner of the present invention is an artificial protein molecule formed by the association of one Heavy Chain (HC) and one Light Chain (LC) of a monoclonal antibody with a fusion protein composed of an IgG Fc (e.g., an IgG-B) fused to another protein moiety. Bispecific binding partners comprising canine IL-22RA1-Fc fusion protein or canine IL-22RA2-Fc fusion protein and anti-canine IL-31 antibodies can be constructed by introducing specific mutations in the light chain or heavy chain of the anti-IL-31 antibodies and the Fc part of the fusion proteins so as to favor heterodimer over homodimer formation. This means e.g., forcing the heavy chain of the canine IL-31 antibody to pair with the Fc of the canine IL-22RA1-Fc fusion protein rather than with a second heavy chain of the canine IL-31 antibody.

Examples of IL-31 antibody/IL-22RA1 Fc fusion protein bispecific binding partners or IL-31 antibody/IL-22RA2-Fc fusion protein bispecific binding partners is given by the association of the proteins representing three (3) amino acid sequences: (i) the light chain of caninized M14, the heavy chain of caninized M14 and the canine IL-22RA1-Fc fusion protein or (ii) the light chain of caninized M14, the heavy chain of caninized M14, and the canine IL-22RA2-Fc fusion protein. Another example is given by the association of the proteins representing three (3) amino acid sequences: (a) the light chain of Zoe-LC, the heavy chain of Zoe-HC and canine IL-22RA1-Fc fusion protein or (b) the light chain of Zoe-LC, the heavy chain of Zoe-HC and the canine IL-22RA2-Fc fusion protein.

Bispecific antibodies are artificial protein molecules that can target two different antigens at the same time. One preferred type of bispecific antibody is an IgG-like antibody that consists of four different polypeptide chains. Examples of bispecific antibodies of the present invention include antibody molecules that can target IL-31RA and IL-4R_(α) at the same time. Such antibodies are formed by association of one HC and one LC chain with specificity for the IL-4R_(α) and one HC and one LC with specificity for the IL-31RA. Each of the heavy and light chains are modified with specific substitutions/mutations of their amino acid sequence so as to favor the association of the HC and LC of IL-4R_(α) antibody with each other and the HC and LC of IL-31RA antibody with each other, and simultaneously favor the association of the HC from IL-4R_(α) antibody with the HC of the IL-31RA antibody over the association of each HC with itself. A list of amino acid substitutions in antibody HC for favoring HC heterodimer formation are listed in the Table 2A above.

Canine IgG-B Fc was first defined by Tang et al. [Vet Immunology & Immunopathology, 80: 259-270 (2001)], as comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14, provided below.

Canine IgG-Bm differs from the naturally occurring canine IgG-B by comprising two (2) amino acid residue substitutions, D31A and N63A in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14 of IgG-B, i.e., the aspartic acid residue (D) at position 31 and the asparagine residue (N) at position 63 of SEQ ID NO: 14, are substituted by an alanine residue (A). The location of these residues in the amino acid sequence are indicated in bold and are underlined. These two amino acid residue substitutions serve to significantly diminish the antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) of the naturally occurring canine IgG-B [see, U.S. 10,106,607 B2, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety].

In addition, potential ways or combination of specific amino acid substitutions in the Fc of the canine IL-31 antibodies or the Fc part of the canine IL-22RA1-Fc fusion protein or canine IL-22RA2-Fc fusion may be used to favor heterodimer formation are provided in Table 2A below. These substitutions either favor a knobs-into-holes approach to heterodimerization of the heavy chains or favor an electrostatic attraction between different heavy chains also to allow for heterodimerization [for a comprehensive discussion of these amino acid substitutions see, Moore et al., Methods,154:38-50 (2019) and Brinkmann & Kontermann, MABS, 9:182-212 (2017)]. Within the context of the amino acid substitutions listed in Table 2A below, in some embodiments, chain 1 refers to the canine IL-31 heavy chain (HC) and chain 2 refers to the canine IL-22RA1-Fc fusion protein or the canine IL-22RA2-Fc fusion protein. In other embodiments, chain 1 refers to the canine IL-22RA1-Fc fusion protein or the canine IL-22RA2-Fc fusion protein, and chain 2 refers to the canine IL-31 heavy chain (HC). In addition, in some embodiments, chain 1 refers to the anti-IL-3 1RA heavy chain (HC) and chain 2 refers to the anti-IL-4R_(α) HC. In other embodiments, chain 1 refers to the anti-IL-4R_(α) HC and chain 2 refers to the anti-IL-3 1RA HC. In still other embodiments, chain 1 refers to the IL-22 HC and chain 2 refers to the anti-IL-31 HC. In yet other embodiments, chain 1 refers to the anti-IL-31 HC and chain 2 refers to the IL-22 HC.

In addition, a Variable Light (VL) domain may be exchanged for the Variable Heavy (VH) domain in a domain swab, i.e., an exchange of one of the various domains for another within the fab fragment of the antibody. The light chains (such as the ones listed above) which are candidates for inclusion into bispecific antibodies can be made suitable for this purpose by incorporating them for example, into antibody domain arrangement that swab the position of the Constant Light (CL) domain with the position of the CH1 domain in one of the antibody pairs resulting in a VL-CH1 and a VH-CL1, while leaving the light chain in the other antibody pair of the bispecific un-altered. Other options are also possible such as a swab of the CL-VL domains with the CH1-VH domains or a swab of the VL and VH domains in one of the antibody pairs. Table 2B provides examples of: (i) amino acid sequences at the juncture of the VH-CL domains and (ii) amino acid sequences at the juncture of the VL-CH1 domains following such a domain swab. In another instance the entire fab fragment could be exchanged such that VH-CH1 domains are exchanged for VL-CL domains.

Accordingly, to optimally provide IgG-like bispecific antibodies, two types of modification can be made: a) modify the Fc of the antibodies to favor heterodimerization over homodimerization of the heavy chains, and b) modify the light chains so as to favor the association of each of the two the light chains with its cognate heavy chain. The amino acid substitutions described in Table 2 can be used in the context of chain 1 and chain 2 to modify the Fc. To make the light chains suitable for inclusion in bispecific antibodies, a method that is referred to as cross-mab can be employed [Klein et al., Methods: 154: 21-23 (2019); Klein etal., MABS, 8:1010-1020 (2016); and Schaefer etal., Proc. Nat’l Acad. Sci. 108: 11187-11192 (2011)]. Using the cross-mab technology, the light chains (such as the ones of the present invention) which are candidates for inclusion into bispecific antibodies can be made suitable for this purpose by incorporating them for example, into antibody domain arrangement that swab the position of the CL domain with the position of the CH1 domain in one of the antibody pairs while leaving the light chain in the other antibody pair of the bispecific un-altered. Other options are also possible such as a swab of the CL-VL domains with CH1-VH domains or a swab of the VL and VH domains in one of the antibody pairs, as indicated above.

TABLE 2A AMINO ACID REPLACEMENTS OF CANINE IgG-B Fc (SEQ ID NO: 14) Number Chain 1 Chain 2 1 T132W T132S/L134A/Y175V 2 T132W/S120C T132S/L134A/Y175V/Y115C 3 K177D/R160D D167K/E122K 4 S130H/F173A Y115T/T162F 5 F173L K177R 6 T132L/R160L/T162W L117Y/F173A/Y175V 7 K126E/K177W S113R/D167V/F173T 8 K126E/K177W/Y115C S113R/D167V/F173T/S120C 9 K136E/K177W E123N/D167V/F173T 10 K126D/D167M/Y175A Q111R/S113R/T132V/K177V 11 Y115S/K136Y/T132M/K177V E122G/E123D/S 130Q/Y175A 12 L117D/L134E L117K/T132K 13 L134D/K136S E122Q/S130K

TABLE 2B KAPPA AND LAMBDA CROSSOVER SEQUENCES DOMAIN SWAB of CL with CH1 CHAIN JUNCTION SEQUENCE SEQ ID NO. VL_(kappa)-CH1 (Modified Light Chain) FGQGTKVEIKSSASTTAPSV 54 VH-CL (Modified Heavy Chain) WGQGTTLTVSSASDAQPAV 55 VL_(kappa) -CH1 (Modified Light Chain) FGQGTKVESKssASTTAPSV 56 VH-CL (Modified Heavy Chain) WGQGTTLTVssRNDAQPAV 57 VL_(lamda)-CH1 (Modified Light Chain) FGGGTHLTVLSSASTTAPSV 58 VH-CL (Modified Heavy Chain) WGQGTTLTVssGQPKASP 59 FW4 (FR4) of the variable region of VH or VL in slightly enlarged font; a piece of “elbow” sequence that may contain a couple of added amino acids (in Bold); the entire “elbow” sequence is underlined; the N-terminal of the CH1 or CL region are in Italics [see, Klein et al., MABS 8:1010-1020 (2016) and Schaefer, et al., Proc.Nat’l.Acad.Sci.,108: 11187-11192 (2011)].

LC amino acid of caninized M14: [SEQ ID NO: 11]

DIVMTQSPASLSVSLGQRATISCRASESVDTYGNSFMHWYQQKPGQSPKL LIYRASNLESGIPARFGGSGSGTDFTLTIDPVQADDVATYYCQQSYEDPW TFGGGTKLEIKRNDAQPAVYLFQPSPDQLHTGSASWCLLNSFYPKDINVK WKVDGVIQDTGIQESVTEQDKDSTYSLSSTLTMSSTEYLSHELYSCEITH KSLPSTLIKSFQRSECQRVD

HC amino acid of caninized M14: [SEQ ID NO: 15] This amino acid sequence is identical to SEQ ID NO: 10, with the exception of the amino acids in bold and underlined:

EVQLVESGPSLVKPGGSLRLTCSVTGDSITSGYWNWIRKFPGNKLEYMGY ISYSGITDYNPSLKSRITISRDTSKNQYYLQLNSVTTEDTATYYCARYGN YGYAMDYWGQGTLVTVSSASTTAPSVFPLAPSCGSTSGSTVALACLVSGY FPEPVTVSWNSGSLTSGVHTFPSVLQSSGLYSLSSMVTVPSSRWPSETFT CNVAHPASKTKVDKPVPKRENGRVPRPPDCPKCPAPEMLGGPSVFIFPPK PKDTLLIARTPEVTCVWDLDPEDPEVQISWFVDGKQMQTAKTQPREEQFA GTYRWSVLPIGHQDWLKGKQFTCKVNNKALPSPIERTISKARGQAHQPSV YVLPP C REELSKNTVSL W CLIKDFFPPDIDVEWQSNGQQEPESKYRTTPP QLDEDGSYFLYSKLSVDKSRWQRGDTFICAVMHEALHNHYTQESLSHSPG K

cIL-22RA1-FcB with amino acid substitutions to facilitate hetero: [SEQ ID NO: 16]

AEDTSDLLQYVKFQSSNFENILTWDSGLESAPDVVYSVEYKTYGKKEWLA KEGCQRITRKSCNLTTETGNHTEHYYARVTAVSAGGRSATKMTDRFSSMQ QTTIKPPDVTCIPKVRSIQMIVHPTSTPIHAEDGHRLTLEDIFQDLFYRL ELQVNHTYQMHLGGKQRDYEFIGLSPDTEFLGTITISVPNFFKESAPYVC RVKTLPDRTWTGGGGSGGGGSPKRENGRVPRPPDCPKCPAPEMLGGPSVF IFPPKPKDTLLIARTPEVTCVVVALDPEDPEVQISWFVDGKQMQTAKTQP REEQFAGTYRVVSVLPIGHQDWLKGKQFTCKVNNKALPSPIERTISKARG QAHQPSV C VLPPSREELSKNTVSL S C A IKDFFPPDIDVEWQSNGQQEPES KYRTTPPQLDEDGSYFL V SKLSVDKSRWQRGDTFICAVMHEALHNHYTQE SLSHSPG

cIL-22RA2-FcB with mutations to facilitate hetero: [SEQ ID NO: 17]

TQSAYESLKPQRVHFQSRNFHNILHWQPGRACTSNGSVYFVQYKMYGQRQ WKNKEDCWGILECFCDLTNETSDIQEPYYGRVRTTSAGIHSGWTMTQRFT PWWETKIDPPIINITQVNGSLLVILHAPSLPYRDQKGKNVSIENYYELLY RVFIINNSLEKEQKVYEGAHRIVEIGALAPHTGYCVVAEMYQPMLDRRSP RSEERCMELPGGGGSGGGGSPKRENGRVPRPPDCPKCPAPEMLGGPSVFI FPPKPKDTLLIARTPEVTCVVVALDPEDPEVQISWFVDGKQMQTAKTQPR EEQFAGTYRVVSVLPIGHQDWLKGKQFTCKVNNKALPSPIERTISKARGQ AHQPSV C VLPPSREELSKNTVSL S C A IKDFFPPDIDVEWQSNGQQEPESK YRTTPPQLDEDGSYFL V SKLSVDKSRWQRGDTFICAVMHEALHNHYTQES LSHSPG

Zoe-HC: caninized heavy chain sequence: [SEQ ID NO: 18]

EVQLVESGGDLVKPGGSLRLSCVASGFTFSNYGMSWVRQAPGKGLQWVAT ISYGGSYTYYPDNIKGRFTISRDNAKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAMYYCVRGY GYDTMDYWGQGTLVTVSSASTTAPSVFPLAPSCGSTSGSTVALACLVSGY FPEPVTVSWNSGSLTSGVHTFPSVLQSSGLYSLSSMVTVPSSRWPSETFT CNVAHPASKTKVDKPVPKRENGRVPRPPDCPKCPAPEMLGGPSVFIFPPK PKDTLLIARTPEVTCVVVDLDPEDPEVQISWFVDGKQMQTAKTQPREEQF NGTYRVVSVLPIGHQDWLKGKQFTCKVNNKALPSPIERTISKARGQAHQP SVYVLPP C REELSKNTVSL W CLIKDFFPPDIDVEWQSNGQQEPESKYRTT PPQLDEDGSYFLYSKLSVDKSRWQRGDTFICAVMHEALHNHYTQESLSHS PG

Examples of modifying the heavy chain of IL-4R_(α) antibodies for bispecific antibody formation. IL-4 receptor alpha c152H11VL3-cCLk-s (light chain): [SEQ ID NO: 19]

EIVMTQSPASLSLSQEEKVTITCKASQNVGTNVAWYQQKPGQAPKLLIYS ASYRYSGLPDRFSGSGSGTDFSFTISSLEPEDVAEFFCQQYNSYPYTFGQ GTKLEIKRNDAQPAVYLFQPSPDQLHTGSASVVCLLNSFYPKDINVKWKV DGVIQDTGIQESVTEQDKDSTYSLSSTLTMSSTEYLSHELYSCEITHKSL PSTLIKSFQRSECQRVD

Modified IL-4 receptor alpha c152H11VH3-cIgG-Bm (heavy chain): [SEQ ID NO: 20]

EVQLVESGGDLVKPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSSYGMSWVRQAPDKRLQWVAT ISRGGDYTYYPDSVKGRFTISRDNAKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAMYYCARGT LNNRGFASWGQGTLVTVSSASTTAPSVFPLAPSCGSTSGSTVALACLVSG YFPEPVTVSWNSGSLTSGVHTFPSVLQSSGLYSLSSMVTVPSSRWPSETF TCNVAHPASKTKVDKPVPKRENGRVPRPPDCPKCPAPEMLGGPSVFIFPP KPKDTLLIARTPEVTCVVVALDPEDPEVQISWFVDGKQMQTAKTQPREEQ FAGTYRVVSVLPIGHQDWLKGKQFTCKVNNKALPSPIERTISKARGQAHQ PSV C VLPPSREELSKNTVSL S C A IKDFFPPDIDVEWQSNGQQEPESKYRT TPPQLDEDGSYFL V SKLSVDKSRWQRGDTFICAVMHEAL HNHYTQESLS HSPG

IL-4 receptor alpha c146E2VL3-cCLk-s (light chain): [SEQ ID NO: 21]

DIVLTQTPLSLSVSPGETASIYCRASESVDSYGNSFLNWYQQKPGQPPKL LIYRASNLASEIPDRFSGSGSRTEFTLKISRVEADDAGVYYCQQNYENPR TFGQGTKLEIKRNDAQPAVYLFQPSPDQLHTGSASVVCLLNSFYPKDINV KWKVDGVIQDTGIQESVTEQDKDSTYSLSSTLTMSSTEYLSHELYSCEIT HKSLPSTLIKSFQRSECQRVD

Modified IL-4 receptor alpha c146E2VH3-cIgG-Bm: (heavy chain): [SEQ ID NO: 22]

EVQLVQSGAEVKKPGASVKVSCKASGYTFARYWMHWMKQAPGAGLDWIGM IHPDSGNINYNERFKTKATLTVDKSTSTAYMELSSLRAGDIAVYYCARQL RNAMDYWGQGTLVTVSSASTTAPSVFPLAPSCGSTSGSTVALACLVSGYF PEPVTVSWNSGSLTSGVHTFPSVLQSSGLYSLSSMVTVPSSRWPSETFTC NVAHPASKTKVDKPVPKRENGRVPRPPDCPKCPAPEMLGGPSVFIFPPKP KDTLLIARTPEVTCVVVALDPEDPEVQISWFVDGKQMQTAKTQPREEQFA GTYRVVSVLPIGHQDWLKGKQFTCKVNNKALPSPIERTISKARGQAHQPS V C VLPPSREELSKNTVSL S C A IKDFFPPDIDVEWQSNGQQEPESKYRTTP PQLDEDGSYFL V SKLSVDKSRWQRGDTFICAVMHEALHNHYTQESLSHSP G

Modified IL-31 receptor alpha caninized heavy chain 10A12VH1-_(C)I_(G)GB_(M) [SEQ ID NO: 53]

EVQLVESGGDLVKPGGSLRLSCVASGFTFSNYYMAWVRQAPGKGLQWVAS ISTGGGNTYYRDSVKGRFTISRDNAKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAMYYCAKHG TLYFDYWGQGTLVTVSSASTTAPSVFPLAPSCGSTSGSTVALACLVSGYF PEPVTVSWNSGSLTSGVHTFPSVLQSSGLYSLSSMVTVPSSRWPSETFTC NVAHPASKTKVDKPVPKRENGRVPRPPDCPKCPAPEMLGGPSVFIFPPKP KDTLLIARTPEVTCVVVALDPEDPEVQISWFVDGKQMQTAKTQPREEQFA GTYRVVSVLPIGHQDWLKGKQFTCKVNNKALPSPIERTISKARGQAHQPS VYVLPP C REELSKNTVSL W CLIKDFFPPDIDVEWQSNGQQEPESKYRTTP PQLDEDGSYFLYSKLSVDKSRWQRGDTFICAVMHEALHNHYTQESLSHSP GK

TABLE 3 SEQUENCE LISTING TABLE (see also Tables 1A and 1B above) SEQ ID NO SEQUENCE A.A. N.A. 1 cIL-22: cIL-22-HIS √ 2 cIL-22R: cIL-22RA1 ECD-FcB √ 3 cIL-22BP: cIL-22RA2-FcB √ 4 cIL-4R_(α): c152H11VL3-cCLk-s (LC) √ 5 cIL-4R_(α): c152H11VH3-cIgG-Bm (HC) √ 6 cIL-4R_(α): c146E2VL3-cCLk-s (LC) √ 7 cIL-4R_(α): c146E2VH3-cIgG-Bm (HC) √ 8 cIL-31RA: cIL-31RAECD-10His √ 9 cIL-31RA: cIL-31RA ECD-10His √ 10 cIL-31: caninized HC from M14 with cIgG-B √ 11 cIL-31: caninized LC from M14 with cLC constant region √ 12 cIL-31: Zoe -LC: Caninized LC √ 13 cIL-31: Zoe-HC: Caninized HC √ 14 Canine IgG-B √ 15 cIL-31:caninized M14 HC +A.A. substit. To facilitate hetero √ 16 cIL,-22RA1-FcB + a.a. substit. To facilitate hetero √ 17 cIL-22RA2-FcB + a.a. substit. To facilitate hetero √ 18 cIL-31: Zoe -HC: cHC + a.a. substit. To facilitate hetero √ 19 cIL-4R_(α): c152H11VL3-cCLk-s (LC) √ 20 cIL-4R_(α): Modified c152H11VH3-cIgG-Bm (HC) √ 21 cIL-4R_(α:) c146E2VL3-cCLk-s (LC) √ 22 cIL-4R_(α): Modified c146E2VH3-cIgG-Bm √ 23 IgG-A Hinge √ 24 IgG-B Hinge √ 25 IgG-C Hinge √ 26 IgG-D modified Hinge √ 27-50 CDRS for antibodies to cIL-4R_(α) 51 cIL-31RA: caninized heavy chain 10A12VH1-_(C)I_(G)GB_(M) √ 52 cIL-31RA: caninized light chain c10A12VL5-cCL √ 53 cIL-31RA: modified caninized heavy chain 10A12VH1-_(C)I_(G)GB_(M) √ 54-59 Junction Sequences for light chain swabs of CH1 with CL √

The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein. Indeed, various modifications of the invention in addition to those described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. 

We claim:
 1. A composition for treating atopic dermatitis in canines comprising a fusion protein that binds canine IL-22, a caninized anti-pruritic antibody, and a caninized anti-inflammatory antibody; wherein the fusion protein that binds canine IL-22 is selected from the group consisting of a canine IL-22RA1-Fc fusion protein and a canine IL-22RA2-Fc fusion protein.
 2. (canceled)
 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the fusion protein that binds canine IL-22 is the canine IL-22RA1-Fc fusion protein that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 16. 4. (canceled)
 5. The composition of claim 4, wherein the fusion protein that binds canine IL-22 is the IL-22RA2-canine Fc fusion protein that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 17. 6. The composition of claim 1, wherein a bispecific binding partner comprises the fusion protein and a monomer of the caninized anti-pruritic antibody comprising a heavy chain and a light chain.
 7. The composition of claim 6, wherein the caninized anti-pruritic antibody is a caninized interleukin-31 (IL-31) antibody.
 8. The composition of claim 7, wherein the caninized IL-31 antibody comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12 and a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18 or comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11 and a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 15. 9. (canceled)
 10. The composition of claim 8, wherein the light chain of the caninized IL-31 antibody has been modified to comprise a heavy chain constant region 1 (CH1) from the heavy chain of the caninized IL-31 antibody in place of a constant light domain (CL); and wherein the heavy chain of the caninized IL-31 antibody has been modified to comprise the constant light domain (CL) from the light chain of the caninized IL-31 antibody in place of the CH1.
 11. The composition of claim 1, wherein the caninized anti-inflammatory antibody is a caninized IL-4R alpha antibody.
 12. The composition of claim 11, wherein the caninized IL-4R alpha antibody comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4 and a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5 or comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6 and a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 7. 13. (canceled)
 14. The composition of claim 1, wherein a bispecific antibody comprises a monomer of the caninized anti-pruritic antibody comprising a heavy chain and a light chain and a monomer of the caninized anti-inflammatory antibody comprising a heavy chain and a light chain.
 15. The composition of claim 14, wherein the caninized anti-inflammatory antibody is a caninized interleukin-4 receptor alpha (IL-4R alpha) antibody.
 16. The composition of claim 15, wherein the caninized IL-4R alpha antibody comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19 and a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 20 or comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21 and a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 22. 17. (canceled)
 18. The composition of claim 16, wherein the light chain of the caninized IL-4R alpha antibody has been modified to comprise a heavy chain constant region 1 (CH1) from the heavy chain of the caninized IL-4R alpha antibody in place of a constant light domain (CL); and wherein the heavy chain of the caninized IL-4R alpha antibody has been modified to comprise the constant light domain (CL) from the light chain of the caninized IL-4R alpha antibody in place of the CH1.
 19. The composition of claim 18, wherein the caninized anti-pruritic antibody is a caninized interleukin-31 receptor alpha (IL-31RA) antibody.
 20. The composition of claims 19, wherein the caninized IL-31RA antibody comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52 and a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 53. 21. The composition of claim 20, wherein the fusion protein is the canine IL-22RA1-Fc fusion protein that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 2. 22. (canceled)
 23. The composition of claim 20, wherein the fusion protein is the canine IL-22RA2-Fc fusion protein that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 3. 24. (canceled)
 25. The composition of claim 1, further comprising one or more additional components selected from the group consisting of a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, a spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) inhibitor, or an antagonist to a chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on TH2 cells.
 26. The composition of claim 25, wherein the JAK inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of

where R ¹is C₁₋₄ alkyl optionally substituted with hydroxy, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; and

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 27. A method of treating atopic dermatitis comprising administering the composition of claim 1, to a canine that has atopic dermatitis. 